Synonyms for

Prank

Verb / præŋk / Another word for prank — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a practical joke or mischievous act

Synonyms & similar words

clowning japery trick joke frivolity caper puton buffoonery antic harlequinade trick hoax joke gag stunt mischief shenanigan jape caprice whim caper escapade jester clown fool buffoon joker merry-andrew harlequin

Synonyms by register

Formal

jest quip witticism

Informal

gag trick shenanigan hijink caprice

Literary

frolic mischief caprice

Antonyms

seriousness earnestness solemnity gravity decorum propriety

Common collocations

  • play a prank
  • pull a prank
  • harmless prank
  • elaborate prank
  • childish prank
  • practical joke
  • prank call
  • prank war

Word family

noun prank
verb prank

Usage note

A prank is typically a mischievous trick played on someone. While often lighthearted, pranks can sometimes be perceived as mean-spirited or even harmful depending on the nature of the trick.

Example sentences

  1. He pulled a prank on his sister by putting a whoopee cushion on her chair.
  2. She played a prank on her friend by pretending to be a ghost.
  3. The class clown was always coming up with new pranks to play on his classmates.
  4. He regretted the prank he played on his boss when he got fired.
  5. She thought it was funny to play pranks on her little brother, but he didn't find it amusing.

Quotes

  • "The best prank is the one you don't have to play." - Brett Wilson
  • "A prank is a prank until someone gets hurt. Then it's a crime." - Mankoff
  • "The best way to execute a prank is to have someone else do it for you." - John Hodgman

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