1
as in humorous
causing or intended to cause laughter
antic shenanigans that made me nearly fall over with laughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in playful
given to good-natured joking or teasing
an antic group of kids at summer camp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
we'll have no more of your antics, so just settle down
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 antic
Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
Some are lush; others have an antic hint of Roz Chast’s cartoons in The New Yorker.
—Dwight Garner, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
Chad Graff, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Not only did winning make a name for Hurley, but also his antics on the sideline.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antic
Adjective
Gunn’s ensemble cast of obscure misfits like Dr. Phosphorous, GI Robot and DC’s versions of Frankenstein’s Monster and his Bride have so far given us a great mix of antic comic violence and poignant character flashbacks.
—Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
Some are lush; others have an antic hint of Roz Chast’s cartoons in The New Yorker.
—Dwight Garner, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
Noun
There have been sideline antics and off-field drama.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Not only did winning make a name for Hurley, but also his antics on the sideline.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antic
Adjective
-
The off-beat ads and humorous posters have only stoked fan conversation about what, exactly, this project is and what on earth is going on with the asterisk in the title.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Early implementations have experienced technical glitches, such as those occasionally seen in MLB's 3D broadcasts, which sometimes led to humorous but unintended visual effects.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Pearl Breed: Pit terrier mix Age: 2 years old Pearl is a cuddly, goofy, playful pup looking for her forever home.—
Trish Stinger,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2025
-
This delightfully playful scent emulates the popstar’s flirty energy courtesy of a dazzling blend of vine-ripe cherries spiked with plum nectar, that’s then deepened with dark chocolate, patchouli, and vanilla orchid.—
Mary Honkus,
Glamour,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Joe Berton, the man whom Sports Illustrated photographed to depict a fictional Mets mega-prospect in an instant-classic April Fools Day story, visited Citi Field on Tuesday in recognition of the prank’s 40th anniversary.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Manager Emma Hayes was, at least in the moment, less impressed with the prank.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But before things ended up in a fight, the atmosphere grew more animated when the comedic WWE faction Alpha Academy, whose members include Otis, Maxxine Dupri, and Akira Tozawa joined in on the scene to help out.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
During a double-decker bus ride around the city, some friends get hit by tree branches and in select trailer scenes, tension turns into comedic relief.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Special content, tips, and tricks: Free digital access to the vast recipe archives of Bon Appétit and Epicurious, plus an in-depth video filmed in the test kitchen of one recipe from each box.—
The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
-
But back to the task at hand: One trick to schooling yourself while keeping things fun is taking a tour — or a few of them.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
His being handsome, funny and not known for comedy was a real asset.—
Rosa Escandon,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
-
And makes a funny joke about giving Glenn Close an Oscar.—
Andy Hoglund,
EW.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
That suggests an almost comical misunderstanding of free trade.—
Lee Habeeb,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Apr. 2025
-
The ornate, over-the-top nature of the piece, contrasted with the comical brevity of its time onscreen, works in tandem to launch it to the middle of the pack. 34.—
Kinsey Jasnoch,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Both men will tell us a lot about themselves Sunday. DeChambeau is often still, to this day, a comic construct of his own character type.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Honestly looking at the old models those butts were not good just…anatomically, even for the often unusual proportions of comic character.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Antic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antic. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share