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Definitions

recreation

[rek-ree-ey-shuhn] / ˌrɛk riˈeɪ ʃən /
NOUN
sports, games, special interests
Synonyms
STRONGEST
amusement diversion enjoyment fun hobby pleasure relaxation
STRONG
avocation ball dissipation distraction ease entertainment exercise festivity frolic game hilarity holiday jollity laughs mirth pastime picnic play playtime refreshment relief repose sport vacation
WEAK
R and R disport divertissement field day fun and games leisure activity rec rollick
Antonyms
STRONGEST
sadness sorrow unhappiness vocation work
STRONG
difficulty drudgery profession task
WEAK
labor

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.

China also recently issued a guideline advancing child-friendly development more broadly, calling for improvements in schooling, medical care, travel, sports, and recreation.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

“The lower level offers a fully immersive lifestyle experience, with dedicated areas for recreation, fitness, and entertaining,” the listing adds.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

Its fantastical sets feature a recreation of Kahlo’s canopy bed from which a tree with artery-like limbs stretches toward the sky.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

A caption said the images has been created with AI as an "artistic recreation", but many fans missed the disclaimer.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Outside of school we had a recreation program, with leaders hired by the War Relocation Authority.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.