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
Videos have gone viral on TikTok and social media showing people spraying the foul odor in their cars, homes and elevators as pranks.
—
Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 23 Sep. 2025
The team performed several stunts and pranks on air, with one resulting in an $8,000 loss in advertising.
—Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 18 Sep. 2025
The family regularly vlogs, sharing daily life and pranks on Instagram.
—Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025
After provoking the ire of the college kids, Madea and her clan are subjected to a series of ghoulish pranks.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025
Still, Shannon promised, no pranks this time, because the movie at hand is too important.
—Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
The actors reportedly became close friends off-screen, which translated into the effortless banter and playful pranks on-screen.
—Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Like trick-or-treating, ding-dong-ditch pranks can escalate, with some versions targeting the same homeowner repeatedly or battering on a door in a threatening manner.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
And speaking of calming mechanisms, good pranks, and #goals, Oliver Scialdone would like you to click on this link—but you aren’t allowed to ask any further questions.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 29 Aug. 2025
Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 23 Sep. 2025
The team performed several stunts and pranks on air, with one resulting in an $8,000 loss in advertising.
—Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 18 Sep. 2025
The family regularly vlogs, sharing daily life and pranks on Instagram.
—Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025
After provoking the ire of the college kids, Madea and her clan are subjected to a series of ghoulish pranks.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025
Still, Shannon promised, no pranks this time, because the movie at hand is too important.
—Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
The actors reportedly became close friends off-screen, which translated into the effortless banter and playful pranks on-screen.
—Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Like trick-or-treating, ding-dong-ditch pranks can escalate, with some versions targeting the same homeowner repeatedly or battering on a door in a threatening manner.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
And speaking of calming mechanisms, good pranks, and #goals, Oliver Scialdone would like you to click on this link—but you aren’t allowed to ask any further questions.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pranks
Noun
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Whether kids are learning tricks, competing with friends, or just marveling at the floating string, ZipString delivers the perfect mix of science, wonder and fun.—
Emily Glover,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
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For more tips, tricks and the latest updates, make sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter.—
Janet W. Lee,
NPR,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The festival featured 185 films from 66 countries this year, drawing 208,111 attendees across online screenings and in-person cinema experiences in Jakarta.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
5 Oct. 2025
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While Method acting has performers immerse themselves in a role by drawing from their own experiences and emotions for a more authentic portrayal, some even stay in character off-set.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Directors are already circling the chronicle of the adventures of Ken Kesey after the release of his first novel, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, which became a Best Picture winning classic film released 50 years ago.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
30 Sep. 2025
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Captains and crew from across the Below Deck franchise share behind-the-scenes stories, compare adventures and reflect on their seasons at sea.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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While the Cavapoo’s antics are undeniably entertaining, the video also highlights the special role toys play in a dog’s life.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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But sticking it out ended up being beneficial, because those classmates who laughed at his antics became his first audience.—
Essence,
Essence,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The series boasted respectable special effects, cool early CGI spaceship design, and old-fashioned space escapades.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
2 Oct. 2025
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Neeson’s serious demeanor juxtaposed with the playful density and bizarre escapades of his crime fighting character make for a uproarious comedy, true to the Zucker Brothers’ original tone.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Anderson’s synthesis of all of these themes, motifs, and silly gags into One Battle After Another, which saw Anderson’s biggest movie opening ever last month, shows how Pynchon’s ideas have not only aged well but are more visible and relevant.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Oct. 2025
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My focus was always trying to bring the kind of complexities of the kink world to the screen…trying to find the warmth in that community rather than be like Prince Albert, whips, chains, and gags.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Over the past two games, Jenkins has turned the ball over four times.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
5 Oct. 2025
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The midfielder’s defensive contributions to see out Arsenal’s seventh clean sheet from their opening 10 games of the season should not be overlooked either.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Taking primo concert tickets doesn't compare to classic Kilpatrick capers like demanding $10,000 payoffs and pocketing cash a campaign worker pulled from her bra in the mayor's office.—
M.L. Elrick,
Freep.com,
22 Sep. 2025
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This 30 minute meal is loaded with all the classic flavors of Chicken Piccata (lemon, butter, and capers), but in an even easier to make meatball format.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
21 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pranks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pranks. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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