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
SoloMania roared into WrestleMania as Solo’s antics endeared him to a big crowd in US Bank Stadium of over 35,000. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Louis, known for his adorable, camera-attracting antics, was absent from this family affair. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 1 Aug. 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
  • While captain Henderson is crucial for a harmonious atmosphere and has the self-confidence to lead the team into this new era, and he is joined by the ever-humorous Hughes, there is an absence of strong personalities in this squad.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Gunn said some of the Internet memes mocking her moves were humorous before widespread analysis of her efforts took on a frenzied life of its own.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of humorous
Adjective
  • Plus, beloved companions like Pascal and more are taking center stage in playful designs.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • This Damson Madder Myrtle Trench is the perfect way to incorporate the trend with fun, playful touches.
    — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of playful
Noun
  • Root had also worked with Rhys on Perry Mason and was quite literally along for the ride with his behind-the-scenes pranks on that show.
    — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The prank consisted of 50 individuals simultaneously ordering a Waymo on the same dead-end street, creating a pileup that made the company disable rides until the next morning.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of prank
Adjective
  • The other presidents had some semblance of comedic appreciation, whether through cynicism, irony, sarcasm, joke-telling, joke appreciation or storytelling.
    — John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Rhys is a rare double nominee at the Emmys this year, as he was recognized for both his comedic performance on Widow’s Bay and his dramatic turn on The Beast in Me.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of comedic
Noun
  • Kluivert notched a hat-trick in the 10-1 thrashing of Italy’s Genoa, with Scott, Unal (two goals each) and David Brooks scoring too.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The trick is to hold the can 8 to 10 inches away, and spray in short bursts.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Adjective
  • Sarcasm is an interesting thing because it can be viewed by some people as funny and other people as hurtful.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • A little bit funny, a lot cheesy and completely, unabashedly earnest, her Liz is — like moms everywhere — at once a perfectly ordinary woman and the center of the universe.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • The young man who first came into our universe as a comical and sensitive personality developed into a force who would become a two-time champion, and he will be sorely missed.
    — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Since the product's release, countless shoppers have taken to social media and the brand's website to leave comical reviews.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of comical
Adjective
  • The oysters and the pretzels are amusing moments, but the real tension comes as the group are just sitting and talking.
    — Deadline, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The format was an amusing detour as the crowd heard from Shiflett (No Use for a Name), Jaffee (The Wallflowers), Mendel (Sunny Day Real Estate), Smear (The Germs) and Rubin (The New Regime).
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of antic for Spanish Speakers

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