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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of practical joke
Suffice to say, not since Squidward Tentacles celebrated April Fool’s Day has a practical joke gone so outrageously far.
—
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
The doctors, nurses, administrators and soldiers found a way to invoke humor through practical jokes to make their mission abroad bearable.
—Rachel Flynn, People.com, 10 May 2025
Shilo often posts videos to YouTube of himself impersonating Sanders or playing practical jokes on his dad.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 28 Apr. 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
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
The doctors, nurses, administrators and soldiers found a way to invoke humor through practical jokes to make their mission abroad bearable.
—Rachel Flynn, People.com, 10 May 2025
Shilo often posts videos to YouTube of himself impersonating Sanders or playing practical jokes on his dad.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 28 Apr. 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 marijuana photos that appeared this weekend when people googled Taylor Police Department were likely a prank that, for a moment, had some in the community snickering, including the deputy chief.—
Frank Witsil,
Freep.com,
14 July 2025
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What starts as a simple favor to keep her great-niece turns into a wild Halloween night filled with jump scares and pranks — but as usual, nothing frightens her more than bad manners and disrespect. Boo 2!—
Jane LaCroix,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
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The universe is playing tricks on you this week, Scorpio, especially in relation to career matters, your public persona or situations involving authority.—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
13 July 2025
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Kawasaki has stayed true to its past with stand-up models such as the SX-R 160, and upcoming SX-X 160, which allow riders to do tricks or carve tight turns on these small, powerful craft.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Survivors of the flooding in central Texas are beginning to share their harrowing experiences of escaping the deadly waters.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
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Nearby, counselors track each child’s progress on individualized goals — following directions, taking turns, handling disappointment — skills that will transform their experiences when school begins again.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 July 2025
Noun
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As previously reported, the first season followed Wednesday's (Jenna Ortega) adventures as a new student at Nevermore Academy.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
9 July 2025
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Rather than focusing on arts and crafts or outdoor adventures, students in grades 6-12 will spend two weeks learning the fundamentals of building a digital career.—
Katie Salcius,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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