1
as in humorous
causing or intended to cause laughter
antic shenanigans that made me nearly fall over with laughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Some musicians from that antic time who spread into whole other areas of music, notably dance pop artist Moby, got their start in Connecticut punk bands.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 27 July 2025
Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2026
The creep-fest about filmmakers venturing into a Maryland forest to document a local legend freaked out a generation of horror fans with its shaky-cam antics and constant sense of dread.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antic
Adjective
The antic was a first for a sitting Wisconsin congressman.
—Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Some musicians from that antic time who spread into whole other areas of music, notably dance pop artist Moby, got their start in Connecticut punk bands.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 27 July 2025
Noun
The trailer promises traditional silly antics, like Gonzo’s daring stunts and Beaker’s dysfunctional science experiments, and musical performances.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2026
The creep-fest about filmmakers venturing into a Maryland forest to document a local legend freaked out a generation of horror fans with its shaky-cam antics and constant sense of dread.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antic
Adjective
-
Introducing Pharrell was none other than Tyler, the Creator, who delivered a humorous speech of admiration and friendship.—
Essence,
Essence,
31 Jan. 2026
-
In terms of scenes that stand out in Part 1, Francesca’s quest to figure out what an orgasm is results in a series of humorous and awkward conversations with various members of the family.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Think pét-nat’s playful fizz, fancy kombucha in a wine bottle, zero-proof sparklers, including Elton John’s new bubbly.—
Lanee Lee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Bags This playful, socially minded brand from Spain was created four years ago by Paloma Hernández Tamame, and creates colorful, customizable handbags with decor using children’s construction blocks.—
Alex Wynne,
Footwear News,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In addition to music, the group launched a prank show called Loiter Squad, produced by the company behind Jackass.—
Matt Craig,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Reba McEntire is a survivor — of six years of pranks!—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
For the remainder of the final season, Penny Marshall was paired with rotating guest stars for a series of comedic misadventures.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
He was generally regarded as a comedic giant, and why not?—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
So much grunt routes through a trick all-wheel-drive system that actually uses a two-speed gearbox ahead of the engine between the front wheels, in addition to a more traditional eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle routing power to the rears.—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Our mother figures and friends can serve as the best sources of inspiration for beauty tips and tricks, thanks to many years of trial and error.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
His sharp, funny, and unexpectedly comforting voice makes the book a joy to read and turns what could feel grim into something liberating.—
Jasna Hodžić,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Roy Keane is clearly a very funny character who everyone is scared of… Then Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are just absolutely filled with football.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Kids will likely love these comical canines.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Still, comical moments were sprinkled throughout the ceremony.—
Zareen Syed,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The mainframe cycle has returned, which is both remarkable and somewhat amusing in 2026.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Danish star Bang seems to having a grand time playing the I-want-it-all villain of the piece and is amusing to watch.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antic. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
