Definitions

merry-go-round

[mer-ee-goh-round] / ˈmɛr i goʊˌraʊnd /

NOUN

amusement

Synonyms

STRONGEST

diversion hobby recreation

STRONG

distraction entertainment interest joke lark play prank sport

Antonyms

STRONGEST

profession vocation work

WEAK

boredom

NOUN

carousel

Synonyms

STRONGEST

roundabout whirligig

WEAK

conveyer ride

NOUN

diversion

Synonyms

STRONGEST

amusement distraction fun pastime pleasure

STRONG

ball beguilement delectation delight dissipation enjoyment frivolity game gratification grins hoopla laughs levity picnic play relaxation relish sport whoopee

WEAK

disport divertissement field day fun and games high time

Antonyms

STRONGEST

work

STRONG

seriousness

WEAK

chore task vocation

NOUN

spree

Synonyms

STRONGEST

binge celebration orgy rampage

STRONG

bacchanalia ball bash caper carousal carousing fling frolic jag jamboree junket lark party revel rip splurge tear

WEAK

field day high jinks high time spending expedition

NOUN

whirl

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clatter ferment flurry tumult whirlwind

STRONG

ado agitation bustle daze dither fluster flutter furor fuss hubbub hurry moil pother round ruction rush series spin stir storm succession tempest turbulence uproar

WEAK

hurly-burly

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm calmness peace

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Beyond the merry-go-round and before the Ferris wheel on Santa Monica Pier, Ian Bowen does business in a snug kiosk overstuffed with souvenirs, guidebooks and replica highway signs.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

On Monday, the public inquiry identified "catastrophic" parental and local authority failings, with a "merry-go-round" of referrals, assessments and "hand-offs" between agencies failing to stop the "predictable and preventable" attack.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

I’m not sure how to step off the merry-go-round.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

But for all the fun it is, this show pony might as well be on a merry-go-round.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

John Harvey jumped off and held tight to the railing, stopping the merry-go-round with a jerk.

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn

merry-go-round

Example Sentences

Related Words