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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of practical joke
In the final setpiece, a Dracula versus Wolf Man fight is shunted to the background for the main event: two screaming comedians chased by a massive, groaning monster, deploying practical jokes and tricks to keep their pursuer at bay.
—
Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
With over 300 episodes to shoot, there was time for some practical jokes.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 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
Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
With over 300 episodes to shoot, there was time for some practical jokes.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 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
Noun
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But the tense moment quickly turned to laughter when it was all revealed to be a prank.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
21 Jan. 2026
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Authorities have cited social media in the trend, with videos of the pranks circulating on TikTok and other platforms.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The trick is to choose a nude shade that compliments your skin tone and apply a top coat so glossy and reflective your nails almost appear see-through.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
23 Jan. 2026
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But the trick becomes doing it over and over again, in a way that preserves arm health.—
Tribune News Service,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But law enforcement experts told CNN the dragging incident last summer could have affected his decision-making – though how such an experience impacts law enforcement varies from officer to officer.—
Mark Morales,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026
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Plaut aims to simplify the flying experience by utilizing software that mirrors a car rather than a traditional airplane.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Luxury expeditions to the region are now attracting travelers craving new and unusual adventures at sea, all complemented by modern, high-end amenities.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
24 Jan. 2026
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Except, when the rehearsals start in earnest and boys enter the duo’s orbit in after-school adventures, their already off-balance dual existence and sneaky one-upmanship worsens.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
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