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
Relevance
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
Suffice to say, not since Squidward Tentacles celebrated April Fool’s Day has a practical joke gone so outrageously far.
—
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
The doctors, nurses, administrators and soldiers found a way to invoke humor through practical jokes to make their mission abroad bearable.
—Rachel Flynn, People.com, 10 May 2025
Shilo often posts videos to YouTube of himself impersonating Sanders or playing practical jokes on his dad.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Editor’s picks Looked at in the context of Lynch’s larger career — among the most remarkable in film history, but also among the most idiosyncratic — such wide-sweeping popularity almost feels like a practical joke by the universe on David Lynch, or perhaps vice versa.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
The doctors, nurses, administrators and soldiers found a way to invoke humor through practical jokes to make their mission abroad bearable.
—Rachel Flynn, People.com, 10 May 2025
Shilo often posts videos to YouTube of himself impersonating Sanders or playing practical jokes on his dad.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Editor’s picks Looked at in the context of Lynch’s larger career — among the most remarkable in film history, but also among the most idiosyncratic — such wide-sweeping popularity almost feels like a practical joke by the universe on David Lynch, or perhaps vice versa.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical joke
Noun
-
The marijuana photos that appeared this weekend when people googled Taylor Police Department were likely a prank that, for a moment, had some in the community snickering, including the deputy chief.—
Frank Witsil,
Freep.com,
14 July 2025
-
What starts as a simple favor to keep her great-niece turns into a wild Halloween night filled with jump scares and pranks — but as usual, nothing frightens her more than bad manners and disrespect. Boo 2!—
Jane LaCroix,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
From fashion tips and tricks to tween and teen hair and nails, our back-to-school style guide has a little bit of everything.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
29 July 2025
-
So begins a scrappy come-up story, about older dogs learning new tricks to revitalize a dying print industry.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
Bring it all to life this month by saying yes only to the people, opportunities, and experiences that excite you, and no to anyone or anything that drains your bright light.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Jane was previously played by Rosamund Pike, who recently opened up about her experience filming the 2005 adaptation.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
After a visit to see Tlemcen’s Moorish architecture, the adventure comes to an end in Algiers.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Classic breakfast food, fresh fish, and homemade soups fill you up for whatever adventures are in store.—
Katherine Lawless,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share