as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
friends had left the risqué message on his voice mail as a practical joke
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of practical joke
Frightening as these prank calls are, their recipients refuse to take the message seriously, because surely the whole thing is just a macabre practical joke.
—
Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 10 Aug. 2025
Over the last year, Beckinsale has continued sharing moments with her mom on social media — from playing practical jokes on Loe to celebrating her 78th birthday in the hospital singing a song during treatments.
—Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 18 July 2025
The unofficial holiday encourages pulling light-hearted pranks, practical jokes, hoaxes or hijinks on others.
—David Wysong, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
And thus Hayes' rival is Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris), a young driver in his first season who sees no reason to trust a driver whose arrival in his team mid-season seems more like a practical joke.
—ArsTechnica, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 10 Aug. 2025
Over the last year, Beckinsale has continued sharing moments with her mom on social media — from playing practical jokes on Loe to celebrating her 78th birthday in the hospital singing a song during treatments.
—Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 18 July 2025
The unofficial holiday encourages pulling light-hearted pranks, practical jokes, hoaxes or hijinks on others.
—David Wysong, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
And thus Hayes' rival is Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris), a young driver in his first season who sees no reason to trust a driver whose arrival in his team mid-season seems more like a practical joke.
—ArsTechnica, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical joke
Noun
-
Since mid-September, the global clothing and home goods store been going viral over a prank that continues to spread across social media.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
-
The students allegedly sprayed the substance at their school on two occasions in May 2023 as a prank, prompting the school to be evacuated and causing six students to be taken to the hospital to be treated for headaches and nausea, according to KTRK.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The most exciting feature is the realistic mask, though, which has mesh eyes for kids to see through while trick-or-treating, and an adjustable strap to fit their head properly.—
Katrina Cossey,
Parents,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Perhaps most frustrating, two Johnson attempts to dig into his trick bag misfired.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The experience later prompted him to go to therapy.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The spiritual experience here, these days, happens when Joyce clocks in.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Pop In and Out of Charming Boutique Shops A delightful shopping adventure awaits in Culpeper with its array of adorable boutiques.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Clutch the Bald Eagle possesses an unquenchable thirst for adventure, soaring across the United States and embracing every culture, game and moment with boundless curiosity and optimism.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share