japes 1 of 2

noun

plural of jape
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

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japes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of jape
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

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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 japes
Noun
Eric Cartman The terrifically foul-mouthed, plus-sized adolescent made his debut in the pilot episode of South Park, which follows the japes and scrapes of Cartman and his pals Kyle, Stan, and Kenny in the titular Colorado enclave. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 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
  1. jokes
  2. laughs
Noun
  • The story made public an incident that had apparently given rise to jokes and gossip at the Pentagon.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Those thick locks that inspired so many jealous jokes among your friends and their balding husbands.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of jokes
Noun
  • White elephant gift exchanges are a holiday party staple, bringing plenty of laughs, a little friendly competition and, of course, the occasional gift-stealing showdown.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Cohen is so naturally funny and quick with improvisation that there are plenty of laughs along the way.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of laughs

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Cite this Entry

“Japes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/japes. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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