SHENANIGAN Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

shenanigan

noun

shə-ˈna-ni-gən

Definition of shenanigan

as in mischief

usually shenanigans plural playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm students engaging in youthful shenanigans on the last day of school

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in joking

usually shenanigans plural wildly playful or mischievous behavior an act of vandalism that went way beyond the usual shenanigans at summer camp

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as in ruse

a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end the street-corner huckster of pirated DVDs had all sorts of shenanigans to keep the cops off of his tail

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 shenanigan My mom’s side of the family is excellent at these type of shenanigans as well. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 The exhibit was recognition of Cole's success attracting younger fans who enjoy such shenanigans as a pitcher throwing the ball while on stilts and outs being counted when a fan catches a foul ball in the stands. — CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 The generals who had joined Netanyahu’s war cabinet resigned, tired of his shenanigans. — Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026 The event began more than a century ago following a tempestuous season of shenanigans (like turning over outhouses and letting cows loose down Main Street); the city’s leaders decided to keep residents occupied every October from then on. — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shenanigan

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shenanigan

Noun

Initially, the couple was arrested on charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, burglary and misdemeanor climbing of a structure.

— Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Ryan faces multiple charges, including criminal mischief and resisting an officer.

— Bri Buckley, CBS News, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of mischief

Noun

Russell was mentioned in that speech, but in a joking way, playing off of how frequent Oscars director Glenn Weiss, who won for his role helming the 2018 Academy Awards telecast, had used his speech to propose to his then-girlfriend.

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Arch Manning's joking comments at a news conference about a fake video of coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe erupted in controversy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of joking

Noun

When Abdul El-Sayed fundraised with members of the Soros family, Republicans said his campaign trail rhetoric about money in politics was a ruse.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026
In episode 4, Noah made up an elaborate ruse involving a fake friend’s wedding in Napa — a means of getting Joanne to wine country for a romantic weekend.

— Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of ruse

Noun

Former township Clerk Kimberly Grable pleaded guilty to official misconduct and was sentenced to five years in prison.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
Jansen Trotter Fannin County In its initial statement, the Leonard Police Department did not identify the underlying misconduct, explain what Trotter allegedly knew or failed to report, or identify anyone else involved.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of misconduct

Noun

After the film’s theatrical release on June 26, the decades-long saga of pranks and tomfoolery is finally coming to an end.

— Isabelle Farina, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
New assistant coach Alice Chilton is a blatant remodeling of Roy Kent — a brusque ex-soccer player who’s reluctant to engage with Ted’s tomfoolery or personal prodding — but Tanya Reynolds’ performance is equal turns wounded and witty.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of tomfoolery

Noun

The scheme came to light after Hegarty's sister-in-law, Peggy Hegarty, was contacted by an agent from the rooming house where Hegarty had been taken.

— Joan Murray, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
As part of the scheme, prosecutors allege, Heflin conspired with other companies and individuals to predetermine who would win certain business, at times submitting intentionally inflated bids to schools.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of scheme

Noun

Irwin knows how to clown an audience, and in this enjoyable, broadly comic interpretation, the buffoonery is at least as much the point as some pointed critiques of modern-day American health care.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
Trump’s quarter millennial—featuring overt buffoonery and historic grifting as neighbors—was characteristic of his two presidencies.

— Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of buffoonery

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shenanigan

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“Shenanigan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shenanigan. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shenanigan

noun

Example Sentences

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