antic 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of anticnext
1
as in humorous
causing or intended to cause laughter antic shenanigans that made me nearly fall over with laughter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in playful
given to good-natured joking or teasing an antic group of kids at summer camp

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

antic

2 of 2

noun

ˈan-tik How to pronounce antic (audio)
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke we'll have no more of your antics, so just settle down

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 antic
Adjective
Black comedy is among the hardest tones to nail, and if there was a single knowing wink from the actors or even a soupçon of exaggeration in the execution, the whole thing could simply become too tiresomely antic to be actually funny. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 June 2026 The grid of four tiles features an illustration of a fanciful townhouse, along with drawings inspired by the comic book Archie’s Madhouse and antic cells from Donald Duck and The Katzenjammer Kids. — Carolina A. Miranda, The New York Review of Books, 22 May 2026
Noun
There was bewilderment, also, at the failure of the referee to get any kind of grip or control over the Paraguayan antics. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026 Youngsters romped through the crowd, happily indulging in eggthrowing or dunking-machine antics or trying to climb to the pinnacle of a greased pole, where a $20 bill waited. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for antic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antic
  1. humorous
  2. playful
  3. prank
  4. comedic
  5. trick
  6. funny
  7. comical
  8. amusing
Adjective
  • Eichmeier, the emerging media professor, said Kennedy's humorous videos are an entry point to his politics.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 11 July 2026
  • Stateside, Lucas Glover holds the lead at the ISCO Championship in Louisville, where Max Homa supplied one of the week's lighter moments with a humorous text exchange with Louisville native Justin Thomas.
    — Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of humorous
Adjective
  • The bar program is playful, colorful and communal — expect to see a little something for everyone.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • The playful exchange is the latest glimpse into the couple's famously candid relationship.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of playful
Noun
  • IJooz, the company operating the juice vending machine, had filed a police report over the prank.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • High school kids from Castleberry, North Side or Brewer running a prank that got out of hand.
    — Star-Telegram staff, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026
Definition of prank
Adjective
  • Ray had a somewhat comedic moment in the bottom of the first, taking a spill after tagging first base when recording a 3-1 putout.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 5 July 2026
  • Sandler's participation in the newlyweds' wedding ceremony comes nearly a year after the comedic actor co-starred in Happy Gilmore 2 with Kelce, who had a cameo in the sequel film.
    — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of comedic
Noun
  • Australia responded six minutes later following a trick lineout move involving hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa throwing to scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan at the front, getting the return pass and starting the movement that finished with him scoring.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • By stop-starting Gvardiol — a trick that lulls defenders into a false sense of security — and then faking to go one way and then the other, Messi found space where there seemed to be none and set up Julian Alvarez for Argentina’s third goal.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of trick
Adjective
  • The 26-year-old Houston native was an instant draw for audiences, who connected with her funny, outspoken—yet still plenty vulnerable—personality.
    — Rachel Brodsky, Time, 14 July 2026
  • More than just funny mistakes Spoonerisms are only one kind of speech error.
    — Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 14 July 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Indeed, Grozeva and Valchanov’s sly ability to shift tones from ripely comical to appalling is one of their defining features as filmmakers, along with a penchant for weird and wacky side characters.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
  • Raimi and his collaborators go all out, ramping up the expressionistic filmmaking and embracing a clearer tone of comical absurdity.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 2026
Definition of comical
Adjective
  • Ritter, three separate times, called out the Legacy Lounge — which might not have been amusing to those who paid $225 for what was a free concert to everyone else.
    — Sophie Lindberg July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • Christopher Nolan discussed the writing process for his upcoming epic The Odyssey during a new interview with BBC News, and shared an amusing anecdote about his son being unimpressed with the filmmaker’s various accolades.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026
Definition of amusing

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Cite this Entry

“Antic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antic. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of antic for Spanish Speakers

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