as in jokes
something said or done to cause laughter
by the standards of today's no-holds-barred satire, Will Rogers' homespun japes about politicians seem awfully gentle
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in jests
to make jokes
the characters in Oscar Wilde's plays jape with a readiness and sophistication that is rarely, if ever, encountered in real life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of japes
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Mar. 2026
That is when the japes really started, most prominently on a mid-season bonding trip to Barcelona when four players ‘borrowed’ a taxi after a late-night trip to McDonald’s.
—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
Before this fifth season put him closer to the center of the action, Roddy had undoubtedly been a misfit among misfits at Slough House, a desk jockey who would hold court at his computer, issuing snide japes at anyone within earshot.
—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
Zings, barbs, and japes fly between the two, but the banter soon gives way to grand action set pieces.
—
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Mar. 2026
That is when the japes really started, most prominently on a mid-season bonding trip to Barcelona when four players ‘borrowed’ a taxi after a late-night trip to McDonald’s.
—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
Before this fifth season put him closer to the center of the action, Roddy had undoubtedly been a misfit among misfits at Slough House, a desk jockey who would hold court at his computer, issuing snide japes at anyone within earshot.
—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for japes
Noun
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The pro‑government newspaper Sabah said dozens of viewers were offended by jokes on religion and filed complaints, prompting the investigation.
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Slides, jokes and the occasional embarrassing photo are fair game.
Noun
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Davidson cowrote each episode, providing plenty of laughs and adding an extra bounce to the show’s hopeful ending.
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Nervous laughs and unexpected insights emerge as young people use stories to make sense of themselves and the world around them.
Cite this Entry
“Japes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/japes. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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