SHENANIGAN Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

shenanigan

noun

shə-ˈna-ni-gən

Definition of shenanigan

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

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

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

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 shenanigan The second season of The Gentlemen promises more crime world shenanigans, a new Untold documentary delves into the 2024 Olympics' weirdest moment, and more. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 Be sure to watch for Ralphie running across the field (hopefully accompanied by her handlers) and Uga's shenanigans. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 First, this is an actual race, not just intra-mission shenanigans. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026 However, when asked about any shenanigans Yungblud and Hill might have gotten into on the road, the singer remains circumspect. — Katherine Turman, SPIN, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shenanigan

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shenanigan

Noun

Bucking Fastard, Werner Herzog’s first fiction film since 2019, belongs to a hallowed lineage of cinema about weird gals getting into mischief.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
For a curious cat or dog, a quick nibble or brush against the wrong bloom can turn a little botanical mischief into a serious medical emergency.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of mischief

Noun

Indeed, at lunch, instead of separating into groups to eat, all 16 participants form one mega table and spend the half-hour joking and laughing together.

— Ellise Shafer, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
Many readers — some likely joking — shared their grievances with Elmo.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of joking

Noun

Likewise, the fact that somebody correctly anticipated an announcement and made money does not by itself prove misconduct.

— Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Illinois does not have independent watchdogs investigating fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct or neglect in state government, agencies or public programs.

— Collin Corbett, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of misconduct

Noun

New assistant coach Alice Chilton is a blatant remodeling of Roy Kent — a brusque ex-soccer player who’s reluctant to engage with Ted’s tomfoolery or personal prodding — but Tanya Reynolds’ performance is equal turns wounded and witty.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
Between their champagne problems and flirty tomfoolery, Anna disappears, initiating a futile rescue search.

— Maggie Turner, Air Mail, 25 July 2026

Definition of tomfoolery

Noun

Smith, though, is still adjusting to coach Mike Macdonald’s defensive scheme.

— Andrew Destin, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
The bigger those two factor primes are, conventional thinking goes, the harder their multiplication is to undo—a sentiment that has made RSA one of the world’s most popular encryption schemes since its debut nearly a half-century ago.

— Peter Hall, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of scheme

Noun

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
Layered background sighs, a resonant lead vocal, autumnal acoustic guitar flickers, synths both eerie and trippy—James has all his tricks on tap.

— Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of trick

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shenanigan

shenanigans

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“Shenanigan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shenanigan. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shenanigan

noun

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