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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Recent Examples of practical jokes
Sabrina the Teenage Witch, which ran from 1996 to 2003, was known for its hijinks, practical jokes and special effects, and, of course, magic.
—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
21 June 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
With over 300 episodes to shoot, there was time for some practical jokes.
—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
21 June 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
With over 300 episodes to shoot, there was time for some practical jokes.
—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical jokes
Noun
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Police used the incident to warn the public that pranks involving Orbeez guns, airsoft guns, or other toy firearms can provoke dangerous reactions and lead to criminal charges.
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In the special, Arcuri tackles topics like marital pranks and urinal mind games while contending, on the more serious side, with his wife Katie Thurston’s cancer journey.
Noun
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Travelers are trading marathon tasting schedules for immersive vineyard walks, meaningful conversations and experiences that create a deeper connection to Napa and Sonoma.
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Head to Los Rios Rancho for seasonal pick-your-own experiences and have a slice of pie at Apple Annie’s—giant and domed like a mountain itself, Apple Annie’s signature pie could feed a dozen diners.
Noun
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This month was all about the art choices—and a couple clever tricks, too.
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Consider the four tricks designers keep up their sleeves for this exact situation.
Noun
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Combining science and imagination, the 20 x 12-and-a-half minute episodes follows their adventures on the Red Planet.
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The Yellowstone spinoff follows the continued adventures of Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Rip (Cole Hauser).
Cite this Entry
“Practical jokes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20jokes. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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