practical jokes

noun

plural of practical joke
as in pranks
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 jokes To make their mission abroad bearable, the doctors, nurses, administrators and soldiers of the Korean War turned to humor, especially practical jokes. — Rachel Flynn, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 In order to make their kissing scenes even more awkward, the late Larry Hagman would play practical jokes on his Dallas costar Linda Gray. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 Crews often found release in rowdiness, camaraderie, practical jokes, and the inevitable coping mechanisms of drink and drugs. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 One of Hughes’ neighbors, Ty Talley, said the toilet paper prank was part of tradition in which North Hall students play practical jokes on teachers during prom season. — Charlotte Kramon, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical jokes
  1. pranks
  2. experiences
  3. tricks
  4. adventures
Noun
  • The Muskego Police Department is warning Muskego High School students about consequences of pranks causing damage after the department received over 20 complaints in less than two weeks.
    — Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The set includes a variety of items, including a new book entitled Slappy’s Book of Pranks, which includes directions for over 20 different pranks, Slappy trivia, a history of pranking, jokes and an introduction by Stine himself.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of pranks
Noun
  • Along with first-run movies and classics, the Bay will host special screenings and immersive theatrical experiences, said Paramount, which is taking over the theater formerly operated by Netflix and Cinepolis before that.
    — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Globally, consumers cut spending after 47% of bad experiences, according to a Qualtrics XM Institute survey of more than 20,000 people across 14 countries, conducted in 2025.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of experiences
Noun
  • Ahead, moving-industry insiders reveal their tricks of the trade to make moving so much better.
    — Perri Ormont Blumberg, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
  • For most of history, locksmiths and lockmakers have guarded their secrets as closely as magicians withhold their tricks.
    — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of tricks
Noun
  • Covering two floors with expansive views of the Hills, the office doubles as a museum for memorabilia that chronicles the adventures of Hollywood’s most consequential childhood besties.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • For one thing, somebody whose adventures often begin alone has accumulated a surprising number of people along the way.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of adventures

Browse Nearby Words

practical jokers
practical jokes
practically
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Cite this Entry

“Practical jokes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20jokes. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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