practical joke

noun

Definition of practical jokenext
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke friends had left the risqué message on his voice mail as a practical joke

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 practical joke As trade envoy, Andrew became known for practical jokes and off-color remarks, which British diplomats had to tolerate because of his titles. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026 At a lavish country house party, a practical joke appears to have gone horribly, murderously wrong. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025 This is all some practical joke that’s being played on me. — Michael Nied, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Jordan had thought he’d been set up for a practical joke. — Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical joke
  1. prank
  2. trick
  3. experience
  4. adventure
Noun
  • The tradition dates to Glasgow, where placing bright orange traffic cones atop public statues began as a late-night prank in the 1980s before evolving into an unofficial symbol of the country’s irreverent humor.
    — Leah Willingham, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • Baudrillard is playing a little textual prank on us, inserting the simulacrum of a quotation into a book about simulacra.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Definition of prank
Noun
  • The trick is to raise it anyway, at every age, for whatever chapter comes next.
    — Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2026
  • When Not To Use It As clever as this trick is, experts caution against trying to stretch it beyond its intended purpose.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 25 July 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • In my mind, there’s no greater outdoor experience than being in the Okefenokee at dusk and dawn.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • Browning and Eveland developed the educational curriculum that would provide both an understanding and hands-on experience in a friendly environment where questions are encouraged.
    — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • The traveler who gravitates towards me usually wants a combination of adventure and luxury.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
  • Their honeymoon is set for Croatia and Montenegro, continuing their extensive adventures, which began with a Seoul proposal and includes a custom 11-carat yellow diamond engagement ring.
    — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of adventure

Browse Nearby Words

practicality
practical joke
practical joker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on practical joke

Nglish: Translation of practical joke for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about practical joke

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