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
My social media contains only family photos and photos of my dog’s antics.
—
Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026
There may be more appetite for reality-show antics in news.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 May 2026
Infantino’s ideas and antics have frequently drawn resistance from some European federations and even the continent’s confederation, UEFA.
—Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
In 2024, the pygmy hippo Moo Deng in Thailand captured hearts around the world with her water splashing, knee-biting antics spreading like wildfire on TikTok and other platforms.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Comedy legend Sykes is back for a new special filled with her classic antics and, as the title notes, reflections on her years of experience in the comedy scene.
—Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
Basketball's biggest stage leading up to the NBA Finals is bound to be full of showstopping shots, monster dunks, and ankle-breaking antics.
—Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026
The Patriots are also expected to trade for AJ Brown, a wide receiver known as much for his sideline frustrations and off-field antics as his production.
—Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Many of the players have a large following on social media and have gone viral for their antics during the games.
—Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026
There may be more appetite for reality-show antics in news.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 May 2026
Infantino’s ideas and antics have frequently drawn resistance from some European federations and even the continent’s confederation, UEFA.
—Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
In 2024, the pygmy hippo Moo Deng in Thailand captured hearts around the world with her water splashing, knee-biting antics spreading like wildfire on TikTok and other platforms.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Comedy legend Sykes is back for a new special filled with her classic antics and, as the title notes, reflections on her years of experience in the comedy scene.
—Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
Basketball's biggest stage leading up to the NBA Finals is bound to be full of showstopping shots, monster dunks, and ankle-breaking antics.
—Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026
The Patriots are also expected to trade for AJ Brown, a wide receiver known as much for his sideline frustrations and off-field antics as his production.
—Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Many of the players have a large following on social media and have gone viral for their antics during the games.
—Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antics
Noun
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In the midst of one of their classic pranks, Ivy (Temple) and Ollie (Jordan) stumble into a magic flower and awaken in each other's body.—
Madeleine Janz,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
-
And compared to some of Fleury’s past pranks on teammates, a few misplaced letters on a nameplate would be relatively light.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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When the Jules Verne Trophy was established in 1990, the target time for sailing non-stop around the world was 80 days, echoing the adventures of Phileas Fogg in Verne’s novel Around the World in 80 Days.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
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All Creatures Great and Small – Masterpiece PBS will make its ATX TV Festival debut with a conversation featuring the cast of the long-running fan favorite All Creatures Great and Small, based on James Herriot’s adventures as a veterinarian in the 1930’s Yorkshire Dales.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
Noun
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Contemporary sculpture, by contrast, is born transient, and can enact only contingent experiences of belonging.—
Glenn Adamson,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
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Certain experiences, products, atmospheres, audiences, or values appeal to different customers, and each business cultivates a unique environment through its operations.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antics. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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