as in tricks
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
as a prank, several students managed to change all the classroom clocks to different times
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Recent Examples of pranks
In the novel, Amanda and Oliver attempt to get Eloise to leave by way of some nasty pranks, but Book Eloise remains undeterred and, in fact, loves the challenge of trying to both one-up and win over the twins.
—
Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2026
Originally from Strasbourg, near the German border, the French creator rose to fame on lip syncs and pranks, hopping from Instagram to YouTube to TikTok.
—Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
Like anything, our pranks revolved around the zeitgeist of the time.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
Years of insults and diss tracks and pranks and social media posts have followed, with small islands of peace floating by from time to time.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Reba McEntire is a survivor — of six years of pranks!
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026
This is an utterly throwaway slice of college comedy, rather more concerned with sports, pranks, and teen/20-something romance than getting lost on the final frontier.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Authorities have cited social media in the trend, with videos of the pranks circulating on TikTok and other platforms.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 17 Jan. 2026
And, of course, boarding schools themselves can be immensely silly, dominated by boys’ pranks, rebellions, and mishaps.
—Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2026
Originally from Strasbourg, near the German border, the French creator rose to fame on lip syncs and pranks, hopping from Instagram to YouTube to TikTok.
—Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
Like anything, our pranks revolved around the zeitgeist of the time.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
Years of insults and diss tracks and pranks and social media posts have followed, with small islands of peace floating by from time to time.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Reba McEntire is a survivor — of six years of pranks!
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026
This is an utterly throwaway slice of college comedy, rather more concerned with sports, pranks, and teen/20-something romance than getting lost on the final frontier.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Authorities have cited social media in the trend, with videos of the pranks circulating on TikTok and other platforms.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 17 Jan. 2026
And, of course, boarding schools themselves can be immensely silly, dominated by boys’ pranks, rebellions, and mishaps.
—Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pranks
Noun
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Other royals allegedly have their own tricks—like Princess Kate, who’s said to use a clutch bag to avoid endless handshakes.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
10 Mar. 2026
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One of my best tricks of the trade?—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Curiously, the antidepressant effect emerged after the mind-altering experiences and persisted for more than a week, suggesting that ketamine might be doing more than making the patients trip.—
Clayton Dalton,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
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Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics activities might look like children’s museums or other interactive and tactile learning experiences—think The Sloomoo Institute or the touch tank at your local aquarium.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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From the haunting coastline of Namibia to off-road adventures in Iceland, let the 13 trips ahead inform your next adventure.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
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Built to military standard 810 for thermal, shock, and water resistance up to 100 meters, this watch is as rugged as your wildest adventures.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The star attraction is the massive wraparound deck, which boasts an outdoor shower, plunge pool, built-in misting system, and plush seating for watching vervet monkey antics with a drink in hand.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Mar. 2026
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Squirrels are incredible little athletes, and their antics are fun to watch.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The show is also virtually devoid of romantic escapades, a good thing since Dumas’ novel is filled with a lot of sentimental claptrap about fighting for defenseless women’s honor or seducing virtuous maidens or going to war due to the physical beauty of a monarch.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
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Even if the titular exclamation point wasn’t taken straight from the theater musical, it’d be earned via the film’s consistently entertaining escapades.—
Rachel Simon,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Join the hilarious hunt this Halloween season, where the only thing sharper than Dracula’s fangs are the gags that’ll leave you in stitches.—
Cincinnati Enquirer,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
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Packed with gags, this is a fun way to spend an afternoon.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Paradise walks away with the Class 3A Division II crown as North Texas sweeps the 3A and 4A title games.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Mar. 2026
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However, the San José Sharks are just one point behind them and have played two fewer games.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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When the oil is shimmering, add the garlic and capers and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 30 seconds.—
Kate Williams,
AJC.com,
2 Mar. 2026
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Each is topped with tartar sauce featuring olives, capers and sweet relish, plus lettuce.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pranks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pranks. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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