shenanigan

noun

she·nan·i·gan shə-ˈna-ni-gən

Synonyms of shenanigan next

: a devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose

: tricky or questionable practices or conduct

—usually used in plural

: high-spirited or mischievous activity

—usually used in plural

Did you know?

The history of shenanigan is as tricky and mischievous as its meaning. Etymologists have some theories about its origins, but no one has been able to prove them. All we can say for certain is that the earliest known uses of the word in print appeared in the mid-1800s. Although the "underhanded trick" sense of the word is oldest, the most common senses in use now are "tricky or questionable practices" (as in "political shenanigans") and "high-spirited behavior" (as in "youthful shenanigans").

Examples of shenanigan in a Sentence

students engaging in youthful shenanigans on the last day of school an act of vandalism that went way beyond the usual shenanigans at summer camp

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

That there’s always time for all the other shenanigans. —

Jim Halterman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2024 The 57-page indictment is riddled with mobile phone shenanigans. —

Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2024 Season 16 After committing insurance fraud, Meredith, Alex, and Richard are fired, setting up a season in which fan favorite doctors are not really involved in hospital shenanigans for a few episodes. —

Annabel Gutterman, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024 Polaris / Align Media / New Atlas Out in the dunes, the Pro S requires a little more finesse to keep up with the Pro R’s shenanigans. —

New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shenanigan