Synonyms of caper

caper 1 of 2

noun

ˈkā-pər 

as in prank

a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke

long-ago college capers that have become more rollicking and daring with each recounting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prank
• trick
• adventure
• escapade
• antic
• experience
• joking
• gag
• capriccio
• practical joke
• roguery
• knavery
• frolic
• game
• rag
• waggery
• time
• shavie
• lark
• shine(s)
• kidding
• monkeyshine(s)
• dido
• feat
• stunt
• jest
• performance
• skylarking
• tomfoolery
• deed
• horseplay
• play
• hoax
• gambit
• mission
• rowdyism
• high jinks
• roughhousing
• ruse
• teasing
• subterfuge
• stratagem
• ploy
• deception
• trickery
• maneuver
• whimsy
• deceit
• vagary
• fraud
• shenanigan(s)
• caprice
• whim
• fooling
• conceit
• hanky-panky
• sham
• delusion
• wile
• fancy
• hoodwinking

caper

2 of 2

verb

as in to romp

to play and run about happily

as summer drew to a close, the children spent their days wistfully capering on the beach

Synonyms & Similar Words

• romp
• dance
• lark
• leap
• hop
• gambol
• cavort
• frolic
• sport
• rollick
• skip
• cut capers
• frisk
• tumble
• revel
• disport
• trip
• spring
• bound
• lope
• curvet
• carouse
• kick up one's heels
• roister
• prance
• clown
• horse around
• cut up
• joyride
• carry on
• fool around
• kite
• roughhouse
• skylark

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stew
• pout
• sulk
• mope

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of caper

Noun

Comedy capers like this usually deflate in the third act when their pleasures get punctured by unfunny gunfire. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026

The pacing feels off throughout much of the film, with comic and contemplative asides gumming up the central caper. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026

Verb

While capering around with her boss, Matty keeps looking for a private moment alone with Olympia’s luggage. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024

Tiny Guna capered about barefoot, hopping on the balls of his feet. — Guy Trebay, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2016