Synonyms for

Basketball

Verb / ˈbæskʌˌtbɔ:l / Another word for basketball — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Basketball is a sport played by two teams of five players each, with the objective of shooting a ball through a hoop that is 10 feet high and 18 inches in diameter.

Synonyms & similar words

Synonyms by register

Antonyms

Common collocations

  • play basketball
  • watch basketball
  • professional basketball
  • college basketball
  • street basketball
  • basketball court
  • basketball player
  • basketball game

Word family

verb basket
adjective basketball

Usage note

Basketball is a specific sport. While 'hoops' is a common informal synonym, it's best to use the full term in formal contexts.

Example sentences

  1. I love to watch basketball games on TV.
  2. My favorite basketball player is LeBron James.
  3. Playing basketball is a great way to exercise and have fun with friends.
  4. I practice basketball every day to become a better player.
  5. The basketball team won the championship for the third year in a row.

Quotes

  • I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. - Michael Jordan
  • Basketball is my passion, I love it. But my family and friends mean everything to me. That's what's important. I need my phone so I can keep in contact with them at all times. - LeBron James
  • Basketball is a beautiful game when the five players on the court play with one heartbeat. - Dean Smith

Try these popular words

Explore more words