ball synonyms

ball

n.

  1. A spherical body

    globe, spheroid, sphere, balloon, orb, perisphere, globule, globular or rounded or spherical or orbicular object, drop, knot, marble, pellet, glob, pill*.

  2. A game played with a ball

    baseball, football, catch; see sport 3.

  3. In baseball, a pitch that is not swung at and is not a strike

    wild pitch, inside pitch, outside pitch, wide one*, high baby*, duster*, insider*. *

  4. Missile for a gun

    bullet, shell, lead; see ammunition, shot 2.

  5. A dance

    grand ball, dance, promenade, reception; see dance 2, party 1.

carry the ball*

assume responsibility, take command, take control, bear the burden; see lead 1, manage 1.

get<strong> <em>or</em> </strong>keep the ball rolling*

initiate action, get underway, maintain action, carry on; see begin 1, continue 1.

have a ball</em> revel, have fun, celebrate; see enjoy oneself, play</em> 1. on the ball*

skilled, alert, efficient, with-it*; see able 1, 2, observant 1, responsible 2.

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.