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
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Recent Examples of practical joke
Some guessed that excessive Taser incidents could be officers fiddling with the weapons out of boredom or sparking them as a practical joke.
—
Nate Rosenfield, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
The constant attention, however, soon became overwhelming for the family, with some fans taking things too far with practical jokes related to the show.
—Gil MacIas, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Baseball players are notorious for playing practical jokes on one another.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024
This dangling face flesh may look like Mother Nature’s idea of a practical joke, but it is actually packed with purpose.
—Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Nate Rosenfield, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
The constant attention, however, soon became overwhelming for the family, with some fans taking things too far with practical jokes related to the show.
—Gil MacIas, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Baseball players are notorious for playing practical jokes on one another.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024
This dangling face flesh may look like Mother Nature’s idea of a practical joke, but it is actually packed with purpose.
—Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical joke
Noun
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The abysmal prank — which ran over several toe-curling episodes — became emblematic of a season that couldn’t get off the ground.—
Louis Staples,
Rolling Stone,
13 May 2025
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According to Gothamist, which spoke with a Collegiate faculty member who wished to remain anonymous, this year's senior prank — a tradition at the Upper West Side school in Manhattan — mimicked a border patrol checkpoint, offending several students, teachers and administrators.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
6 May 2025
Noun
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Rea allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings, improving to 4-0 with another no-flash performance that did the trick.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
19 May 2025
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Label tricks, regional cues and color considerations for better picking at the wine shop.—
Rachel King,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
Noun
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The company is now counting on the experience of Stephen Hemsley, who returned as CEO to steer it through the current crisis.—
Sriparna Roy,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Early adopters gain valuable implementation experience and can provide feedback that shapes industry standards.—
Chris Schueler,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Super Nintendo World - Brings guests into the fan-favorite video game franchise for adventures with Mario, Princess Peach, and more, like at Universal Studios Hollywood.—
Samantha Neely,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Related Stories Inside One Woman's 1,000-Year-Old French Water Mill Home (Exclusive) 139-Year-Old House Was Placed on Wheels and Moved Through San Francisco's Streets The nights are their own adventure.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
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