Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

antics

NOUN
horseplay
Synonyms
STRONGEST
hijinks misbehavior rowdiness
STRONG
buffoonery capers clowning pranks shenanigans tomfoolery
WEAK
fooling around fun and games rough-housing
NOUN
monkey business
Synonyms
WEAK
absurdity absurdness buffoonery carrying-on clowning around craziness disobedience foolery foolishness hanky-panky high jinks hokey-pokey horse feathers horseplay inanity insanity irresponsibility ludicrousness lunacy misbehavior mischief mischief-making monkeyshine nonsense poppycock prank silliness stupidity tommyrot
NOUN
shenanigans
Synonyms
STRONG
capers frolicsomeness gag horseplay misbehavior mischievousness naughtiness nonsense prank trouble vandalism
WEAK
dirty trick fooling around funny business hanky-panky high jinks horsing around monkey business
NOUN
sportiveness
Synonyms
STRONG
friskiness frolicsomeness gaiety impishness jauntiness lightheartedness liveliness merrymaking mirth spiritedness vivacity waggishness
Antonyms
STRONG
sadness unhappiness
NOUN
tomfoolery
Synonyms
STRONG
absurdity bunk clowning craziness folly foolery foolishness fun giddiness horseplay insanity irresponsibility lunacy madness ridiculousness senselessness shenanigans silliness
WEAK
carrying-on fooling around funny business high jinks joking kidding around ludicrousness
Antonyms
STRONG
sense seriousness
NOUN
waggishness
Synonyms
STRONG
friskiness frolicsomeness gaiety impishness jauntiness lightheartedness liveliness merrymaking mirth spiritedness sportiveness vivacity
Antonyms
STRONG
sadness unhappiness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That she’s played by Laurie Metcalf, one of our great actors, should be a balm among the soul-chafing antics of “Big Mistakes.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

In the early 2000s, television viewers first discovered "Malcolm in the Middle," the hilarious tale of a teenager trying to survive the antics of his dysfunctional family.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

She’s not one for fashion statements, outlandish antics or attention-seeking initiatives, her joint podcast with close friend Madison Keys notwithstanding.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

Littler repeated his 'Big Fish' antics in the final, as he spoiled the home celebrations in the Welsh capital to mark his first success of the Premier League season.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

I was shaking my head at the lame antics when they cut over to my place and gave what little background they could on me.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx