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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While Washington’s red carpet experience was less than stellar, he was soon awarded with a surprise Honorary Palme d’Or, the festival’s highest accolade, during the Highest 2 Lowest premiere Monday (May 19) night.—
Jessica Bennett,
VIBE.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Travel, adventure, unique experiences found in only one place on earth—those are the usual suspects.—
Maya Chawla,
Architectural Digest,
9 May 2025
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Lauren discovered that beneath Eric’s imposing exterior was a thoughtful and caring individual who shared her passion for adventure.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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