practical joke

noun

Definition of practical jokenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of practical joke As trade envoy, Andrew became known for practical jokes and off-color remarks, which British diplomats had to tolerate because of his titles. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026 At a lavish country house party, a practical joke appears to have gone horribly, murderously wrong. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025 This is all some practical joke that’s being played on me. — Michael Nied, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Jordan had thought he’d been set up for a practical joke. — Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical joke
  1. prank
  2. trick
  3. experience
  4. adventure
Noun
  • Ween released 12 Golden Country Greats in the summer of 1996 to a public primed for a prank.
    — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Golf star Charley Hull pulled off a savage prank on her caddie, Adam Woodward, earlier in the week, and some people were upset about it.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of prank
Noun
  • Coker — a wide receiver — was asked to run a trick play and play QB for a moment.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Joao Pedro scored a nine-minute hat-trick during Chelsea’s 6-4 pre-season victory over Western Sydney Warriors on July 28.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • In the afternoon, book a spot at one of Copenhagen’s many hot tub experiences; some favorites include Hottub Copenhagen and CopenHot, the biggest outdoor spa in Denmark.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The experience reinforced her belief that the profession itself was never the problem.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • Ahead, 24 perfect pairs of travel sandals for whatever adventure awaits—march on to find the right style for your itinerary.
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Niagara Falls Disembark in Niagara Falls, where the adventure is just beginning.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of adventure

Browse Nearby Words

practicality
practical joke
practical joker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20joke. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on practical joke

Nglish: Translation of practical joke for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about practical joke

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