as in pranks
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
we'll have no more of your antics, so just settle down
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Recent Examples of antics
Two of the monkeys had applauded the event with hopping and grunts, but the other three had shot like arrows into the trees, chasing after the peculiar bird that had remained indifferent to their antics.
—
Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
After all, besties Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone are both nominated in separate categories this year, which also bodes well for red-carpet antics and fashion moments alike.
—Glamour, 11 Jan. 2026
Snoop Dogg, who had joined regular Peacock/NBC announcers Reggie Miller and Terry Gannon for the second half, rose to the occasion, his commentary keeping pace with Kerr’s antics.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
After much acrimony over the rising costs of police protection and Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony’s confrontational antics, the North Broward city is poised to permanently sever ties with the sheriff’s office after 35 years.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
Milo Murphy’s Law has something for all of us, from the antics to the songs.
—Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026
The show channels a certain energetic, zany sense of humor viewers could recognize from their own adolescent friendships and antics, culminating in a five-season run and a 2021–2023 revival on Paramount+.
—Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
His teammates often roll their eyes when talking about his antics with a brotherly reverence.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Thankfully, Poole managed to see the humor in her dog’s antics.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
After all, besties Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone are both nominated in separate categories this year, which also bodes well for red-carpet antics and fashion moments alike.
—Glamour, 11 Jan. 2026
Snoop Dogg, who had joined regular Peacock/NBC announcers Reggie Miller and Terry Gannon for the second half, rose to the occasion, his commentary keeping pace with Kerr’s antics.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
After much acrimony over the rising costs of police protection and Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony’s confrontational antics, the North Broward city is poised to permanently sever ties with the sheriff’s office after 35 years.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
Milo Murphy’s Law has something for all of us, from the antics to the songs.
—Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026
The show channels a certain energetic, zany sense of humor viewers could recognize from their own adolescent friendships and antics, culminating in a five-season run and a 2021–2023 revival on Paramount+.
—Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
His teammates often roll their eyes when talking about his antics with a brotherly reverence.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Thankfully, Poole managed to see the humor in her dog’s antics.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antics
Noun
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Teens can move from online pranks to serious federal crimes without realizing where the legal line lies.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
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Rose also likes pulling lighthearted pranks to make others laugh.—
The Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Other hotel highlights include a bowling alley, a karaoke room, and the chance to craft your own bespoke journey across Mongolia, complete with off-roading adventures and the ability to explore remote areas via a small plane.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
14 Jan. 2026
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The fanzine features the illustrated storyline that inspired the collection, and invites fans to delve deeper into Daisy Duck’s adventures.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The actress has opened up about how her own experiences as a mom of two helped her better step into the difficult role.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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The fawner, scarred by past experiences of rejection, courts not just individuals but people in the aggregate—a monolithic other, dangling validation like a carrot.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antics. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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