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
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
Ernie Ernie is known for his playful, free-spirited nature and his love for practical jokes, especially at the expense of his best friend, Bert.
—Casey Clark, Parents, 16 Jan. 2025
Some guessed that excessive Taser incidents could be officers fiddling with the weapons out of boredom or sparking them as a practical joke.
—Nate Rosenfield, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
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
Ernie Ernie is known for his playful, free-spirited nature and his love for practical jokes, especially at the expense of his best friend, Bert.
—Casey Clark, Parents, 16 Jan. 2025
Some guessed that excessive Taser incidents could be officers fiddling with the weapons out of boredom or sparking them as a practical joke.
—Nate Rosenfield, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical joke
Noun
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Blending real tour footage, a faux biopic, a tongue-in-cheek jukebox musical and a museum filled with half-fake relics, the film is part tribute, part Gen X time capsule, part absurdist prank.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
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Anna stages a prank that is just supposed to scare Willow, but the plan collides with the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, and ends with Willow’s disappearance.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
24 June 2025
Noun
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One trick to capture slugs is to lay a board down next to a row crop and check the underside in the morning to gather the slugs.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 July 2025
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Did any of those tips and tricks come in handy here?—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
5 July 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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The news is all good for Brian Swift, whose teenage injury hasn’t dampened his love for adventure.—
Donna Vickroy,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2025
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This comprehensive set includes three versatile skillets with lids, three essential pots with lids, a 12-inch wok perfect for stir-frying, a convenient griddle, a handy mixing bowl set and a professional-grade chef's knife, ensuring you are fully equipped for any culinary adventure.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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