horseplay

noun

ˈhȯrs-ˌplā How to pronounce horseplay (audio)
Definition of horseplaynext
as in joking
wildly playful or mischievous behavior when he saw us spraying each other with the hose instead of washing the car, Dad yelled, "Cut out the horseplay!"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 horseplay Those dousings also prompted outrage from police leaders — who decried it as an inexcusable sign of disrespect, and even suggested that officers willing to walk away from that kind of horseplay should consider another line of work. — Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026 Yet this is truly an ensemble show, in which each performer has multiple opportunities to shine, executing some splendidly silly bits together, such as delivering CPR to a sandwich or convincingly channeling their inner tots during some post-bedtime horseplay. — Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2026 There was reportedly no horseplay or swerving during the ride, according to 9News. — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025 But what had once been raucous and raunchy mischief, was now benign horseplay. — Time, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for horseplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for horseplay
  1. joking
  2. roughhousing
  3. clowning
  4. roughhouse
  5. tomfoolery
  6. buffoonery
  7. clownery
  8. slapstick
Noun
  • Back in December 1968, Dolan wrote a joking column about the earlier Lake Worth monster, from way back in 1947.
    — Star-Telegram staff, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026
  • Oh, but the Padres manager was ready with the joking last night.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2026
Definition of joking
Noun
  • As expected, Aussies brought the roughhousing.
    — Sean Gregory, Time, 20 June 2026
  • The boys challenge each other to throw heavy objects, which leads to intense roughhousing.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Definition of roughhousing
Noun
  • The clowning might be a little too effortful.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
  • As the race unfolds in real time, there’s clowning, collisions, sabotage, surprises, comedy, chaos and more.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
Definition of clowning
Noun
  • The boys still have room to roughhouse—and even space to set up their Ping-Pong table near the living area.
    — Jody Garlock, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026
  • This is why some people work nine hours a day, go to the gym, and roughhouse with their kids in the evening, while others already feel tired just thinking about this daily schedule.
    — Lieke ten Brummelhuis, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Definition of roughhouse
Noun
  • The project has been plagued by technical issues, supplier disputes, and alleged tomfoolery—empty mini tequila bottles were reportedly discovered on one of the airplanes under construction.
    — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
  • The latest tomfoolery consisted of a posting on Twitter/X last week that provided a picture of a genuine Monet painting, and the picture was labeled as supposedly being AI-generated.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Definition of tomfoolery
Noun
  • Without Roberts in charge, expect the political and racial buffoonery to creep back into the conversation at ESPN.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The show, with its interest in corporate buffoonery, doesn’t quite manage to hand-wave away the queasy implications.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of buffoonery
Noun
  • Allow Yahya Abdul-Mateen II to clarify his remarks about Aquaman being the work of clowns with… some clownery.
    — Jessica Wang, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2022
  • Chronicle Books In the world of clownery, tradition has long dictated that a clown must never steal another clown’s look.
    — Constance Grady, Vox, 20 Aug. 2018
Definition of clownery
Noun
  • As notorious as Cotliar was for his accurate calls on election night, impressive memory, love for college basketball and the Los Angeles Times, he was also known around the newsroom for his occasional near-slapstick temper.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Physical comedy and razor-sharp wit collide in this carnival of theatrical surprises — a masterful blend of classic French farce and contemporary slapstick that will leave audiences breathless with laughter, the news release states.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of slapstick

Browse Nearby Words

horsemen
horseplay
horsepower
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Cite this Entry

“Horseplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horseplay. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of horseplay for Spanish Speakers

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