practical joke

noun

Definition of practical jokenext
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

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 As trade envoy, Andrew became known for practical jokes and off-color remarks, which British diplomats had to tolerate because of his titles. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026 At a lavish country house party, a practical joke appears to have gone horribly, murderously wrong. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025 This is all some practical joke that’s being played on me. — Michael Nied, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Jordan had thought he’d been set up for a practical joke. — Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical joke
  1. prank
  2. trick
  3. experience
  4. adventure
Noun
  • The company claimed an unfinished code left in the system, part of a prank, led to the crash.
    — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Orenstein acted and wrote for the CBC variety program The Barris Beat, produced by Norman Jewison, then moved to New York in 1965 and landed on the CBS prank show Candid Camera.
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of prank
Noun
  • Is there a celebrity chain where people share tips and tricks?
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Fox Nation is pulling a new trick, using artificial intelligence to bring legendary illusionist Harry Houdini back from the dead.
    — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • In this painful experience, one is exposed (the betrayal that is blushing) and longs to hide oneself.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • My own experience building what became a multi-billion-dollar company says otherwise.
    — Giorgos Tsetis, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • Blaze, previously more peripheral to the adventure, became essential.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Strijd became a star in her own right, in part because of her vlogs, which followed her adventures as a VS angel.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of adventure

Browse Nearby Words

practicality
practical joke
practical joker
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Cite this Entry

“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on practical joke

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about practical joke

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