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
Following the hatch opening by Suni Williams, the ship's bell was rung as the new arrivals floated in, shook hands and hugged the Expedition 72 crew after Hague's practical joke.
—
Pilar Arias, Fox News, 16 Mar. 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
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
The constant attention, however, soon became overwhelming for the family, with some fans taking things too far with practical jokes related to the show.
—Gil MacIas, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Pilar Arias, Fox News, 16 Mar. 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
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
The constant attention, however, soon became overwhelming for the family, with some fans taking things too far with practical jokes related to the show.
—Gil MacIas, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical joke
Noun
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Joe Berton, the man whom Sports Illustrated photographed to depict a fictional Mets mega-prospect in an instant-classic April Fools Day story, visited Citi Field on Tuesday in recognition of the prank’s 40th anniversary.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2025
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Manager Emma Hayes was, at least in the moment, less impressed with the prank.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Special content, tips, and tricks: Free digital access to the vast recipe archives of Bon Appétit and Epicurious, plus an in-depth video filmed in the test kitchen of one recipe from each box.—
The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
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But back to the task at hand: One trick to schooling yourself while keeping things fun is taking a tour — or a few of them.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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With annual trading volumes now reportedly exceeding $3 trillion, Xia sees AI integration as the next frontier for cryptocurrency exchanges in 2025, potentially redefining trading experiences for both newcomers and experienced traders.—
Sean Lee,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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In fact, the condition has systemic implications: Many people with HS experience other medical conditions like obesity, metabolic syndrome (a cluster of risk factors that can lead to heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes), and depression.—
Team Verywell Health,
Verywell Health,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In some ways, China's ambivalence about taking on greater global responsibilities mirrors Americans' wariness and weariness with foreign adventures, against the background of domestic political and economic woes.—
Anthony Kuhn,
NPR,
4 Apr. 2025
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What follows in the eight-part series is equal parts humor and heartbreak, as Molly pursues comical dating adventures while grappling with her declining health.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
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