sport 1 of 2

1
2
as in game
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously teasing that began in sport ended with some hateful words being exchanged

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in ridicule
the making of unkind jokes as a way of showing one's scorn for someone or something taught their children that it was not polite to make sport of others

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in joke
a person or thing that is made fun of had become the long-suffering sport of the village

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sport

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sport differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sport are fun, game, jest, and play. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.

teasing begun in sport led to anger

When is fun a more appropriate choice than sport?

The synonyms fun and sport are sometimes interchangeable, but fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

How are the words game and sport related?

Game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.

made game of their poor relations

Where would jest be a reasonable alternative to sport?

The meanings of jest and sport largely overlap; however, jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

When can play be used instead of sport?

In some situations, the words play and sport are roughly equivalent. However, play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.

pretended to strangle his brother in play

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sport
Noun
Customers will discover iconic references from the brand’s long-standing passion for equestrian sports to its involvement as a pioneer in aviation as well as its contribution to timekeeping in Alpine ski racing. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025 Golf aficionados can reel off the names of those who own their sport’s career grand slam: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
Houston comes in sporting one of the nation’s best defenses, which was a key factor in their win against Cooper Flagg and Duke on Saturday night. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025 While many teams bring back the old-school look from the past, there are a few that won't be sporting a throwback look. Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sport
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sport
Noun
  • The move came partly in response to pressure from recreation groups that had been shut out of plans to redevelop Fiesta Island, finalized in 2021, as well as plans to revamp the bay’s northeast corner near De Anza Cove, approved a year ago.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Maloney, 66, is the former president of Pipefitters Local 597 and was named by the Tinley Park-Park District last year to oversee remediation of the 280-acre former Tinley Park Mental Health Center, which the Park District plans to redevelop for recreation uses.
    Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Alcala is often seen at Verdugo's games, sporting team gear alongside their children, Efrain, A.J. and Alianna.
    Nasha Smith, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • However, that was overshadowed by Westbrook's mishaps in the final seconds of the game.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Spiranac, of course, is referencing what golf fans have come to ridicule.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The latest breakthrough attempts have been met with ridicule as Republicans blast Democrats for awkward social media posts and videos.
    Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Corden, as the event’s emcee, made some uncomfortable jokes about the Dow dropping 2200 points last Friday.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025
  • These jokes referenced economic news of the past week.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Engage Your Senses In a shared office environment, playing loud music or lighting a scented candle is frowned upon.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The Rebellion Is Here Moss, who stars, executive produces and directs on the series, spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the emotional impact of becoming a mother herself before playing June one last time for The Handmaid’s Tale.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Staff and friends would often stay until the sun came up, laughing, dancing and playing cards.
    Brad Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Some shouted and danced; others raced to the market immediately to buy maize.
    Erika Page, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The reporter noted that a framed photo of Prince Harry, 40, with his late mother, Princess Diana, was displayed nearby.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Asia Asian stocks have displayed a mixed performance throughout Wednesday's trading session.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The ergonomic, curved frame provides extra comfort, while the drink holder and arm rests are ideal for relaxation.
    Shea Simmons, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Ancient Chinese healers prescribed it for pain relief, while Indian Ayurvedic medicine valued it for relaxation and digestion.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sport.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sport. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sport

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!