BALL GAME Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

ball game

noun

Definition of ball game

as in rivalry

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another I'm still in this ball game, so don't count me out yet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in situation

position with regard to conditions and circumstances with the new regulations in place, investors are facing a whole new ball game

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 ball game For its fifth season, the ABC-WBTV sitcom worked with the Philadelphia Phillies for an episode that took place at a ball game. — Matt Minton, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 Root’s appointment allows Harry Brook, the Test vice-captain under Stokes, to continue developing his captaincy skills in the white-ball game ahead of next year’s 50-over World Cup. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 30 July 2026 The Mariners have also learned what works best when inviting creators to experience a ball game. — Emma Cortes Ellendt, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 And before the perpetually whiny and moronic peanut gallery says that sports teams have special nights all the time, that’s true, but celebrating heritage, or veterans who fought and died for this country is just an eency weency bit different than force-feeding the gay agenda at a ball game! — Tomi Lahren Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ball game

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ball game

Noun

Nattie challenged Jaida Parker to a submission match for Heatwave as their rivalry turned up a notch.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The handlers may represent rival schools, but those rivalries tend to stop at the kennel, pasture or habitat gate, especially when another mascot is sick, retiring or in need of support.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of rivalry

Noun

The Samuels’ run, however, was the spark that lit the fuse after the Caravan was denied on a fourth-and-short situation on its opening possession.

— Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, Fed policy uncertainty, the Middle East situation, and an earnings season burdened with high expectations could all act as catalysts for fresh turbulence.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of situation

Noun

The only intrigue at offensive line was the backup center battle between Hudson and Patrick.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Naturally, with three more Salt Lake City wives at the Alter Ego Party, Gizelle is ready to further investigate why Lisa is in a battle with her whole cast.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of battle

Noun

While Craig will get most of the attention, TCU’s revamped offensive line also had its struggles throughout the day.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
Those struggles have become increasingly difficult for the Blue Jays to ignore as the season has progressed.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of struggle

Noun

Loop’s status has been a hot-button issue around the team after his badly missed 44-yard field goal in Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season kept the Ravens out of the playoffs and accelerated the end of the John Harbaugh era.

— Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Traore, a fifth-round pick hadn’t impressed one bit, but his draft status kept him safe.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of status

Noun

Combined with recent updates across several companies in the AI industry, the AI competition appears to have entered a new phase centered on cost-efficiency.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Horse racing revenue in Illinois had been dwindling for years due to competition from casinos, the lottery, and video and sports gambling.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

Like all other alumni interviewed for this story, one of the first things Oberlander mentioned about her love for Killian was athletics — football games in particular.

— Austin Horn August 29, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Your stories are a great reminder of what sports teaches high school students about life.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of story

Browse Nearby Words

balletic

ball game

ball games

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ball game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ball%20game. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of ball game

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on ball game

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes