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
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Recent Examples of practical joke
Baseball players are notorious for playing practical jokes on one another.
—
Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024
This dangling face flesh may look like Mother Nature’s idea of a practical joke, but it is actually packed with purpose.
—Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 21 Mar. 2025
Following the hatch opening by Suni Williams, the ship's bell was rung as the new arrivals floated in, shook hands and hugged the Expedition 72 crew after Hague's practical joke.
—Pilar Arias, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Editor’s picks Looked at in the context of Lynch’s larger career — among the most remarkable in film history, but also among the most idiosyncratic — such wide-sweeping popularity almost feels like a practical joke by the universe on David Lynch, or perhaps vice versa.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024
This dangling face flesh may look like Mother Nature’s idea of a practical joke, but it is actually packed with purpose.
—Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 21 Mar. 2025
Following the hatch opening by Suni Williams, the ship's bell was rung as the new arrivals floated in, shook hands and hugged the Expedition 72 crew after Hague's practical joke.
—Pilar Arias, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Editor’s picks Looked at in the context of Lynch’s larger career — among the most remarkable in film history, but also among the most idiosyncratic — such wide-sweeping popularity almost feels like a practical joke by the universe on David Lynch, or perhaps vice versa.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical joke
Noun
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The Squad created fun and silly content, from lip-syncs and pranks to skits and viral challenges.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
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The son quickly called his mom, who confirmed the ticket wasn’t a prank.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The company, which sells hot and iced coffee, tea, shakes, as well as burritos and tacos, also hosts classes to teach dogs tricks.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Dimbleby’s age, far from a liability, feels like a magic trick—rare is the podcast host in 2025 who can casually weave socioeconomics together with personal memories of the Second World War.—
Sarah Larson,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Miami Dolphins, who finished 8-9 last season, had a rough three-day experience in the 2025 NFL draft.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2025
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Panthers add two offensive weapons with return experience.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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By combining robotics, AI and clean energy, Kawasaki is imagining a future where adventure meets sustainability.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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If you're all set to capture your adventures, the DJI Osmo Action 4 will make sure your footage stands out.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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