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
At a lavish country house party, a practical joke appears to have gone horribly, murderously wrong.
—
Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Nov. 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
Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Nov. 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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One prank involved the popular cruise ship of hiding and finding rubber ducks on the ships.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
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The prank did succeed in shocking Geist, whose jaw fell open when Hager fell.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Supernova the Strongwoman will dazzle the crowd with risky tricks and demolition.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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CEOs who have climbed to the top of their industries have an eagle eye for talent who drive success—and many have developed their own tricks to find the right hires.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Every staff member plays the role of concierge and can be tapped for advice, insights, and recommendations, including unique and under-the-radar experiences and tours of the city.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
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Some patients wait and see The early experience with the pill hasn’t been smooth for everyone.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The sparkling Sun in your 9th House of Exploration squares cheery Jupiter in your 12th House of Rest, pitting adventure against recovery.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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This is an exciting year of new beginnings and adventures.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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