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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.

While it said all those involved acted in good faith, the report suggested the "merry-go-round referral system" meant AR's case was passed from one public sector agency to another.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

When his camera isn’t woozily circling like a merry-go-round, his edginess glints.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 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

The theme song from the show filled the air, and the merry-go-round started flashing and spinning and the horses began to rise and drop.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone