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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Recent Examples of practical joke
His latest film is a feature-length practical joke that centers around a false origin story for a 42-year-old song whose relevance only fades with each passing year.
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Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Sep. 2024
Dogs shot for no reason (and then used as props for gruesome practical jokes by the EMTs).
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2024
For anyone who has ever struggled to learn the notoriously difficult Ottoman language—sometimes described as a practical joke played on historians—forcing it on a generation of schoolchildren might seem like the quickest way for Erdogan to destroy his popularity (and the Ottoman Empire’s as well).
—Nick Danforth, Foreign Affairs, 6 Jan. 2015
Each birth anniversary, there’s a well-meaning but hurtful practical joke.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for practical joke 
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Sep. 2024
Dogs shot for no reason (and then used as props for gruesome practical jokes by the EMTs).
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2024
For anyone who has ever struggled to learn the notoriously difficult Ottoman language—sometimes described as a practical joke played on historians—forcing it on a generation of schoolchildren might seem like the quickest way for Erdogan to destroy his popularity (and the Ottoman Empire’s as well).
—Nick Danforth, Foreign Affairs, 6 Jan. 2015
Each birth anniversary, there’s a well-meaning but hurtful practical joke.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for practical joke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical joke
Noun
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Videos centered around pranks, forced performances, or situations where children appear uncomfortable or pressured to act for the audience.Holly Garcia, Parents, 5 Dec. 2024
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Vincent Price’s favorite holiday was Christmas, and the horror icon couldn’t resist pulling a prank on his wife each December, according to his daughter.Brie Stimson, Fox News, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
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One of the best tricks to staying healthy is to base yourself near a gym.Annie Daly, AFAR Media, 6 Jan. 2025
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Nanna has since learned new tricks and is starting potty training.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
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While the measures are intended to enhance safety, their impact on Norway’s thriving cruise industry—particularly winter cruises—could be substantial, raising questions about how operators will adapt to ensure both safety and smooth experiences for passengers.David Nikel, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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Baseball players are known for frequenting steakhouses, where they’re essentially guaranteed an experience that’s upscale, reliable and protein-rich.Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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As a top-tier dining, relaxation and outdoor adventure destination all rolled into one, this scenic city is a top spot for immersing yourself into the idyllic beauty of Araucanía at its very best.Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
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Laika’s sixth film marks the studio’s first fantasy adventure set in the natural beauty of hometown Portland, Oregon, based on the YA novel by Colin Meloy of Portland’s The Decemberists.Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near practical joke
Cite this Entry
“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
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