PRACTICAL JOKES Synonyms: 57 Similar Words

practical jokes

noun

plural of practical joke

as in pranks

a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke friends had left the risqué message on his voice mail as a practical joke

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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 jokes To make their mission abroad bearable, the doctors, nurses, administrators and soldiers of the Korean War turned to humor, especially practical jokes. — Rachel Flynn, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 In order to make their kissing scenes even more awkward, the late Larry Hagman would play practical jokes on his Dallas costar Linda Gray. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 Crews often found release in rowdiness, camaraderie, practical jokes, and the inevitable coping mechanisms of drink and drugs. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 One of Hughes’ neighbors, Ty Talley, said the toilet paper prank was part of tradition in which North Hall students play practical jokes on teachers during prom season. — Charlotte Kramon, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical jokes

Noun

And on social media, videos show a range of other unwanted recordings, from relatively inoffensive pranks to more harmful videos featuring bullying or harassment.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026
Alves, who is known online for her day-in-the-life content as well as making videos documenting humorous pranks, had nearly 60,000 followers on Instagram.

— Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of pranks

Noun

Panel also impressed by NASA’s leadership Toward the end of the safety panel’s meeting on Monday, a few members made some striking comments about their experiences working with NASA this year.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
The VICs are also invited to the Paris presentations, which are full-day experiences featuring canapés, cocktails and cookies inside major cultural institutions.

— Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of experiences

Noun

Some of his bar inventions, for instance, were less grand thematic ideas and simply tricks to keep patrons indoors and ordering.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Treister had a smart sense of humor, often performing magic tricks for anyone who would come over to his home, his family said.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of tricks

Noun

Tucked away near Lucille Ball’s former dressing room, nestled between soundstages on the Paramount lot is the office where John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein cook up many of their big-screen adventures.

— Brent Lang, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
From hiking adventures to international trips, these women are embracing independent travel and finding unexpected freedom along the way.

— Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of adventures

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“Practical jokes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20jokes. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of practical jokes

noun

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