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
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Recent Examples of practical joke
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
Following the hatch opening by Suni Williams, the ship's bell was rung as the new arrivals floated in, shook hands and hugged the Expedition 72 crew after Hague's practical joke.
—Pilar Arias, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Editor’s picks Looked at in the context of Lynch’s larger career — among the most remarkable in film history, but also among the most idiosyncratic — such wide-sweeping popularity almost feels like a practical joke by the universe on David Lynch, or perhaps vice versa.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
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
Following the hatch opening by Suni Williams, the ship's bell was rung as the new arrivals floated in, shook hands and hugged the Expedition 72 crew after Hague's practical joke.
—Pilar Arias, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Editor’s picks Looked at in the context of Lynch’s larger career — among the most remarkable in film history, but also among the most idiosyncratic — such wide-sweeping popularity almost feels like a practical joke by the universe on David Lynch, or perhaps vice versa.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical joke
Noun
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The Squad created fun and silly content, from lip-syncs and pranks to skits and viral challenges.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
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In Bad Influence, teens who performed with Piper in her social media videos—which featured music videos, latest crushes, and pranks—argue that Smith was the kind of stage mom who would go to great lengths to make hilarious content.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The company, which sells hot and iced coffee, tea, shakes, as well as burritos and tacos, also hosts classes to teach dogs tricks.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Another simple trick to avoid seeming evasive: Answer questions with yes or no, first; get into the explanation afterwards.—
Rob Davis,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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What began as a membership club has facilitated 1,000+ job placements and helped members secure over $800,000 in funding while building partnerships with global brands like Apple, Nike, and L'Oréal. Also driven by personal experience is Ba Linh Le, 28.—
Brianne Garrett,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Sachs spoke at that event, appearing and sounding emotional on stage while eulogizing the young officer, a military veteran who had about two years of experience on the police force.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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By combining robotics, AI and clean energy, Kawasaki is imagining a future where adventure meets sustainability.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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If you're all set to capture your adventures, the DJI Osmo Action 4 will make sure your footage stands out.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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