1
as in humorous
causing or intended to cause laughter
antic shenanigans that made me nearly fall over with laughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in playful
given to good-natured joking or teasing
an antic group of kids at summer camp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
we'll have no more of your antics, so just settle down
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of antic
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Like most sitcom material, the antic is borrowed from real life.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2025
Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
The tradition has evolved from bachelor party antics to deep conversations about life.
—Abby Ellin, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antic
Adjective
The hero’s antic flirtations with a French maiden drag on at inordinate length, leaving an organist little room for creative invention.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Like most sitcom material, the antic is borrowed from real life.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
Here, however, his anti-authoritarian antics perfectly light up one of cinema's great masterpieces.
—Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
The tradition has evolved from bachelor party antics to deep conversations about life.
—Abby Ellin, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antic
Adjective
-
In the early 1990s, Stuart Smalley's humorous affirmations on SNL highlighted the power of self-coaching, a concept supported by psychologist Ethan Kross, who suggests that addressing oneself in the second person can alleviate anxiety and improve problem-solving by fostering a broader perspective.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The unexpected may have a humorous twist.—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
April 20 – May 20 Your playful side wants room to breathe!—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
It’s named after Hall’s favorite band, Grateful Dead, and will have a few playful nods to the band.—
Jenna Thompson
March 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Of course, the pranks are all in good fun, with owners keeping things safe and playful.—
Kendall Malinchock,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
And for 2026, the channel pulled off its creepiest prank yet, with a terrifying claymation short lifted from a one of their most popular shows.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Pickles frequently appear in comedic settings, from cartoon characters struggling with oversized jars to absurd internet memes celebrating the eccentricity of pickle enthusiasts.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
31 Mar. 2026
-
In this darkly comedic action thriller from director Ben Wheatley (High-Rise, FFF 2016) and the writer of John Wick, Bob Odenkirk stars as a new sheriff whose simple assignment unravels after a botched robbery proves that everything in the quiet town of Normal, Minnesota, is anything but!—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The only trick now is for the league to get a team to the final Monday night of the season and actually cut down the nets.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Eating a balanced diet should do the trick for the majority.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Why the Vaping Squirrels Trend Is Dangerous The viral clips might look funny, but the reality is far less cute.—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The explanation is kind of funny, but also very much a seasonal sign of renewal on the barrier islands.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Kaplan has commanding, comical moments throughout the play but shines in one of the play’s most memorable.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Getting a 50-pound dog up the ladder is comical, though.—
Graham Averill,
Outside,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The surviving Cheetos, while amusing to viewers, stand as an odd visual amid an otherwise devastating event.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
-
To some on Capitol Hill, the freewheeling is more frustrating than amusing.—
Steven Sloan,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antic. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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