Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun mind_game

2 senses of mind game

Sense 1
mind game -- (any game designed to exercise the intellect)
       => game -- (an amusement or pastime; "they played word games"; "he thought of his painting as a game that filled his empty time"; "his life was all fun and games")

Sense 2
mind game -- (deliberate actions of calculated psychological manipulation intended to intimidate or confuse (usually for competitive advantage); "football players try to play mind games with the opposition"; "the jeweler's mind game is to convince lovers that the size of a gemstone reflects the depth of their feelings")
       => manipulation, use -- (exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage; "his manipulation of his friends was scandalous")