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shenanigan

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noun she·nan·i·gan \ shə-ˈna-ni-gən \

Definition of shenanigan

1 :a devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose
2 a :tricky or questionable practices or conduct —usually used in plural
b :high-spirited or mischievous activity —usually used in plural

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Examples of shenanigan in a Sentence

  1. students engaging in youthful shenanigans on the last day of school

  2. an act of vandalism that went way beyond the usual shenanigans at summer camp

Recent Examples of shenanigan from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shenanigan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

The history of shenanigan is as tricky and mischievous as its meaning. Etymologists have some theories about its origins, but no one has been able to prove them. All we can say for certain is that the earliest known use of the word in print appeared in the April 25, 1855, issue of San Francisco's Town Talk. Although the "underhanded trick" sense of the word is oldest, the most common senses in use now are "tricky or questionable practices" (as in "political shenanigans") and "high-spirited behavior" (as in "youthful shenanigans").

Origin and Etymology of shenanigan

origin unknown

shenanigan Synonyms

Synonyms
devilishness, devilment, devilry (or deviltry), diablerie, espièglerie, hob, impishness, knavery, mischievousness, rascality, roguery, roguishness, shenanigan (s), waggery, waggishness, wickedness
Related Words
diabolicalness, misbehavior, misconduct, naughtiness, troublemaking; buffoonery, friskiness, playfulness, sportiveness; chicanery, trickery; goings-on, hanky-panky, high jinks (also hijinks), monkey business, monkeying, monkeyshine (s), skylarking, tomfoolery; horseplay, roughhousing; antic, caper, dido, practical joke, trick; aggravation, annoyance, exasperation, irritation
Near Antonyms
gravitas, gravity, seriousness, solemnity, solemnness

Learn More about shenanigan

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shenanigan Nglish: Translation of shenanigan for Spanish speakers

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Examples: shenanigan in a Sentence
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