1
as in mischief
usually shenanigans plural
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm
students engaging in youthful shenanigans on the last day of school
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in joking
usually shenanigans plural
wildly playful or mischievous behavior
an act of vandalism that went way beyond the usual shenanigans at summer camp
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
the street-corner huckster of pirated DVDs had all sorts of shenanigans to keep the cops off of his tail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shenanigan
So was Representative Pete Sessions, a congressman who has developed something of a reputation over the years for his connections to Big Oil and his alleged willingness to get involved in overseas shenanigans.
—
Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 10 Mar. 2026
There are a multitude of absurd high jinks and shenanigans (really the only words applicable here) that lead to Greg's decision to stay and inevitably fill each episode.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026
In his latest mock, Sam gives us a full two rounds of picks, using the draft order without any lottery shenanigans in the mix.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Some shenanigans may have gone too far.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shenanigan
Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 10 Mar. 2026
There are a multitude of absurd high jinks and shenanigans (really the only words applicable here) that lead to Greg's decision to stay and inevitably fill each episode.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026
In his latest mock, Sam gives us a full two rounds of picks, using the draft order without any lottery shenanigans in the mix.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Some shenanigans may have gone too far.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shenanigan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shenanigan
Noun
-
That’s likely why his movie is more daring in its humor and tone, bringing a refreshing infusion of mischief to Pixar while maintaining the genuine emotional gravitas that has endeared the company to audiences for over 30 years.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Toni Rice, 44, pleaded guilty to charges of criminal mischief, tampering with physical evidence, intimidating a participant in the legal process and tampering with a witness, as well as misdemeanor charges of failing to stop and render aid, falsely reporting an incident and official misconduct.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Lindsay says that Jesse was serious about asking, but that the make-out would be a joking make-out.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The women’s team declined their joking invitation and had to explain comments directed at them.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The shooting occurred following an apparent theft ruse by Thomas, who was captured on video twice stopping by Angelo’s Jewelry in the 3800 block of West 26th Street.—
William Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2026
-
While the ruse was going, Schreiner lashed out at anyone who was skeptical.—
Kenneal Patterson,
Vanity Fair,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
When allegations of misconduct arose against Krauss at ASU, the physicist exchanged dozens of messages and emails with Epstein seeking advice on how to handle them.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
9 Mar. 2026
-
This comes amid the monarch’s cancer battle and Andrew’s arrest for misconduct in public office, with questions being asked about what King Charles and even Queen Elizabeth before him knew of Andrew’s dealings with Epstein.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Jazz are 15-35, which puts them at the sixth pick if zero lottery-ball tomfoolery happens.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
But enough of all that tomfoolery, because there is one person on the beach who knows exactly what is about to happen!—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Ari Lauer is set to be sentenced Monday for assisting high-flying East Bay fraudsters Jeff and Paulette Carpoff and their company, DC Solar, pull off what the government says amounted to the largest criminal fraud scheme ever within the sprawling federal court district that includes Sacramento.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Do’s daughter as a condition of the bribery scheme.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The trick is whether Anthropic can hold onto its soul in the process.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
6 Mar. 2026
-
It's riddled with cheffy tricks but not in alienating way.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Death by Lightning, adapted by Mike Makowsky from Candice Millard’s 2011 nonfiction book and directed by Matt Ross, hums with the strength of these performances, particularly Shannon’s quiet composure and Macfadyen mining new depths of buffoonery.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
-
North Coast Rep will present a show Dec. 11-Dec. 14 with bubbling energy and comedic buffoonery in the British Pantomime version of The Adventures of Robin Hood as its next student production.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shenanigan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shenanigan. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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