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.

“This is more of a sincere gesture, not necessarily a practical joke but I wanted to present it to him.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2025

"It's more likely a practical joke or someone attempting to create a smear campaign," he explained.

From BBC • May 1, 2024

Was it all some kind of practical joke?

From Slate • Mar. 16, 2023

It's almost as if McCarthy was playing some kind of elaborate practical joke.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2023

First her mom thinks Alicia and her dad are ganging up on her to play a practical joke.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements