as in tricks
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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Recent Examples of pranks
Of course, the pranks are all in good fun, with owners keeping things safe and playful.
—
Kendall Malinchock, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
According to a 2025 roundup of April Fools’ food promotions by the New York Post, several national brands followed Dunkin’s lead by offering tangible rewards instead of traditional pranks.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Although both dates are the perfect excuse for laughs and small scares through pranks, their origins stem from different historical and religious events.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Just don't try anything like these pranks from companies that backfired in spectacular ways.
—Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 1 Apr. 2026
Here are some of Louisville's April Fools' Day pranks from April 1, 2026.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Apr. 2026
On the Wednesday, April 1, episode of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, the daytime talk show host, 44, shared that her daughter Mila, 12, loves to pull pranks.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Folks would dip dresses and suits in glowing, phosphorescent paint and wear them around town performing various pranks or artistic displays.
—Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Mar. 2026
Some in the art world speculate Banksy orchestrated the unmasking himself as a publicity stunt, consistent with his history of subversive pranks and satire.
—Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Kendall Malinchock, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
According to a 2025 roundup of April Fools’ food promotions by the New York Post, several national brands followed Dunkin’s lead by offering tangible rewards instead of traditional pranks.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Although both dates are the perfect excuse for laughs and small scares through pranks, their origins stem from different historical and religious events.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Just don't try anything like these pranks from companies that backfired in spectacular ways.
—Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 1 Apr. 2026
Here are some of Louisville's April Fools' Day pranks from April 1, 2026.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Apr. 2026
On the Wednesday, April 1, episode of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, the daytime talk show host, 44, shared that her daughter Mila, 12, loves to pull pranks.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Folks would dip dresses and suits in glowing, phosphorescent paint and wear them around town performing various pranks or artistic displays.
—Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Mar. 2026
Some in the art world speculate Banksy orchestrated the unmasking himself as a publicity stunt, consistent with his history of subversive pranks and satire.
—Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pranks
Noun
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Tiffany has a few tricks up its sleeve that aren’t jewelry or limited-edition chronograph, one of which is this shapely teapot.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
31 Mar. 2026
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Maybe the tricks learned during this trial can help drivers form some better, cheaper habits to continue when gas prices inevitably decrease again.—
Doug Turnbull,
AJC.com,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Breakfast Ride and Cowboy Cookout are two unique dining experiences the whole family will love, and adult guests will appreciate the new spa planned for late 2027.—
Julie Bielenberg,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
More than 200 auction items donated by foundation members, local businesses and artists include antiques, artwork, garden supplies and experiences, the release said.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Johnston had been posting photos to Facebook of their adventures, camping and traversing snowy mountain peaks.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
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Kathryn Romeyn is a freelance travel, design, and wellness journalist living in Los Angeles and Bali whose curiosity about the world leads her on frequent beautiful adventures.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Some of her adolescent outbursts and antics (that were so delicious to play).—
Stephen Schaefer,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
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The antics of the online influencer known as Clavicular have once again earned him attention from law enforcement authorities.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Aqua Expeditions Specializing in lavish small‑ship voyages to some of the planet’s most pristine and remote waters, Aqua Expeditions’ newest vessel, Aqua Lares, is a 77‑meter expedition superyacht designed for adventurous travelers who crave a high dose of comfort with their outdoor escapades.—
Elycia Rubin,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Mar. 2026
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The show is also virtually devoid of romantic escapades, a good thing since Dumas’ novel is filled with a lot of sentimental claptrap about fighting for defenseless women’s honor or seducing virtuous maidens or going to war due to the physical beauty of a monarch.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But what was served up were stale, pale sketches that seemed to have been exhumed from some old codger’s book of gags from 19 bloody 50!—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
21 Mar. 2026
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One of the better gags of last night’s Academy Awards ceremony came at the very end of the show, even after the Best Picture winners’ speeches.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Kings had the worst record in the NBA as recently as March 9, but after winning seven of their last 14 games they are now tied with the Utah Jazz for the fifth-worst record in the league.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
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The Wolverines defeated the Mustangs in state semis last year and in 2021 and 2025 and won state title games against Grapevine in 2018 and 2022.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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These crime capers range from small-town jobs to border-crossing schemes, all with settings that feel as developed as the characters themselves.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
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One of Banchetti’s latest favorites is sole with lemon butter and capers.—
Sarah Blaskovich,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pranks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pranks. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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