practical jokes

noun

plural of practical joke
as in pranks
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 jokes To make their mission abroad bearable, the doctors, nurses, administrators and soldiers of the Korean War turned to humor, especially practical jokes. — Rachel Flynn, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 In order to make their kissing scenes even more awkward, the late Larry Hagman would play practical jokes on his Dallas costar Linda Gray. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 Crews often found release in rowdiness, camaraderie, practical jokes, and the inevitable coping mechanisms of drink and drugs. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 One of Hughes’ neighbors, Ty Talley, said the toilet paper prank was part of tradition in which North Hall students play practical jokes on teachers during prom season. — Charlotte Kramon, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical jokes
  1. pranks
  2. experiences
  3. tricks
  4. adventures
Noun
  • The Muskego Police Department is warning Muskego High School students about consequences of pranks causing damage after the department received over 20 complaints in less than two weeks.
    — Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The set includes a variety of items, including a new book entitled Slappy’s Book of Pranks, which includes directions for over 20 different pranks, Slappy trivia, a history of pranking, jokes and an introduction by Stine himself.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of pranks
Noun
  • In addition to the restaurants above, special dining experiences are hosted on property several nights a week in the Resol Garden, an outdoor space beside the main restaurant Itzam with an open woodfire grill.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Jessica Biel has found her next feature project in Playmates, the Searchlight flick inspired by filmmaker Lorraine Nicholson’s experiences growing up at the Playboy Mansion.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of experiences
Noun
  • Homemade enchiladas might sound like a laborious weekend project, but with a few clever tricks, this version made with black beans and pumpkin can be whipped up on even the most hurried of work nights.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Chinese robotics startup LinkerBot has demonstrated the dexterity of its new robotic hand by teaching it to perform magic tricks.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of tricks
Noun
  • This keeps the performance informal and keeps the narrative — a staggering odyssey of injustices, abuses, travel adventures, extraordinary coincidences, losses, reunions, reflections and self-analysis — from becoming sensationalized.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Should cabin fever somehow strike, the hotel can arrange adventures further afield, from whale-watching and boat trips along the Costa Del Sol coast to private hikes through the Andalusian mountains and even cheesemaking at a local goat farm.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of adventures

Browse Nearby Words

practical jokers
practical jokes
practically
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Cite this Entry

“Practical jokes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical%20jokes. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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