as in trick
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
as a prank, several students managed to change all the classroom clocks to different times
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prank
And that prank might go overboard.
—
Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
This year, April Fool’s Day has been canceled because no prank can match the reality of what’s going on right now.
—Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
Only Gladden was not in on the elaborate prank.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026
In addition to music, the group launched a prank show called Loiter Squad, produced by the company behind Jackass.
—Matt Craig, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prank
Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
This year, April Fool’s Day has been canceled because no prank can match the reality of what’s going on right now.
—Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
Only Gladden was not in on the elaborate prank.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026
In addition to music, the group launched a prank show called Loiter Squad, produced by the company behind Jackass.
—Matt Craig, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prank
Noun
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Seven of the 12 finalists fell in their first run in snowy conditions, which made landing tricks more of a challenge.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
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Van Der Beek, twisting his remarkable life into a piece of comedy, pulled the same kind of trick.—
Megan Garber,
The Atlantic,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Cole follows up with a joking request to appear on an interlude on the forthcoming project, then asks whether West could send him a care package of clothes — which West agrees to — before exiting the stage.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
28 Dec. 2025
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Our poll’s options include a joking reference to Dan Marino.—
Greg Cote
December 20,
Miami Herald,
20 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Paul Jebara writes about travel through the lenses of culture, design, and adventure as a regular contributor to .—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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On Thursday, Canadian animation was represented by three projects in various development stages, ranging from family-friendly adventure and adult animation to Medieval fantasy with a vintage twist.—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Forget the red Porsches, promiscuous escapades, and questionable clothing choices.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
29 Jan. 2026
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Swap your shoes for fins and clothes for swim suits, then embark on an aquatic escapade.—
Catherine Garcia,
TheWeek,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Cannon established Coppermark and almost immediately reached out to Stephanie Lee, a roofing contractor and independent adjuster with extensive experience in hail, wind, and tornado damage.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
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Can our experiences as babies still be felt today?—
Daisy Jones,
Vogue,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Running gags include Moses’ age, certain players’ penchant for forgetfulness and star receiver Stefon Diggs’ proclivity for procreation.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
5 Feb. 2026
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One is an exercise that only Sam Raimi could do; the other manages to do an absurd amount of gags despite being burdened with the weight of being a real movie.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The couple employed local craftsmen to clear the area and built two terraces supported by drystone walls using the same techniques once employed for cultivating capers.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2026
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Alternatively, combine with tomato, garlic, capers, and olives for a puttanesca-style pasta sauce.—
Ranyechi Udemezue,
Vogue,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prank. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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