practical joke

NOUN

trick or prank

Synonyms

STRONGEST

prank

WEAK

antic caper escapade espieglerie fool's errand frolic gag high jinks mischievous trick monkeyshines shenanigans stunt tomfoolery trick

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.

The con job was, he thinks, “no more than a practical joke, really. Good clean sport.”

From New York Times • Apr. 8, 2024

The exhibit was supposed to spark debate, yes, but has the spirit of a harmless practical joke, she argues.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2024

Was it all some kind of practical joke?

From Slate • Mar. 16, 2023

At Helsinki, she was the ringleader in a practical joke played on Avery Brundage, president of the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2023

I think it must be a practical joke.

From "Hurricane Child" by Kheryn Callender