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 prank came amid rumors about Stern’s impending retirement and the cancellation of his show.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
  • His entrance didn’t appear to register with Crowley or the interpreter, who may not have seen Gibson’s prank.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of prank
Noun
  • The Cinderella dress that Kaitlyn Argyriou’s mother had sewn for her as a child and which Argyriou’s daughter, Avery, 4, had planned to wear trick-or-treating in Colorado Springs on Halloween.
    — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The tips and tricks for maintaining hosiery that used to be passed down by family and friends are in danger of being lost to time and ever-changing fashion trends.
    — Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • Together, the workforce brings more than 250 combined years of Minuteman III experience at each base, according to the Air Force.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • To be with people of different ages, races, and experiences is a gift.
    — Gloria Steinem, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • The fantasy comedy, which starred Eden alongside Larry Hagman, followed the whimsical adventures of astronaut Anthony Nelson, who discovers an enchanted lamp with a wish-granting genie.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Great for more rugged adventures, like hiking through wet terrain or rainy days, the men’s Clifton 9 GTX is waterproof and features the brand’s comfortable Gore-Tex fit.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of adventure

Browse Nearby Words

practicality
practical joke
practical joker
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Cite this Entry

“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on practical joke

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about practical joke

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