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antic

antic

53 5.6
Funny, silly actions people do to make others laugh
  • noun
  • /ˈæntɪk/
translation icon : payasada
  • The clown's silly antics had the entire audience laughing throughout the performance.
  • laugh at the antics
  • stage antics

Examples

  • Sandler was part of the show for five years, gaining a large amount of popularity for his juvenile antics.

  • I'm always up for some antics.

  • Your Honor, do we really need these types of antics?

  • President Bush has caught the public eye with his antics.

  • You could talk about the beautiful scenery or laugh at the antics of the cubs.

    Academic text (2003)
  • I have never been offended by the antics and enthusiasm of tourists.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Columbus rides his mule along the narrow track, watching his son's antics with amusement.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • William Calvin is in his element, photographing the high-flying antics with evident glee.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The zany blond comedienne known for her unconventional antics, off the screen as well as on, was en route back to Hollywood after a successful war bond sales tour.

  • Children often engage in playful antics that bring joy and laughter to their parents.

Synonyms

joke
vsantic
1.0

Something said or done to make people laugh

is aimed at general entertainment rather than only to make people laugh
prank
vsantic
  • Informal
202 3.2

A playful trick done to make people laugh, often at another person

is done for amusement without targeting or embarrassing someone
trick
vsantic
  • Informal
74 1.6

A playful act done to surprise or make people laugh

is done mainly for amusement rather than to fool or surprise
caper
vsantic
  • Informal
9 5.3

A playful act done to have fun

is usually a simple act for amusement not an adventurous escapade
buffoonery
vsantic
5 7.9

Clown-like, silly actions meant to make people laugh

is an individual act rather than ongoing foolish behavior
put-on
vsantic
  • Informal
4 7.5

A false act or story that tries to trick people, often to make them laugh

is done mainly for playful or grotesque entertainment rather than deception
clownery
vsantic
  • Informal
6.1

Silly behavior meant to make people laugh

is a single entertaining act rather than continuous silly behavior
hoopy antic
vsantic
  • Informal
9.9

Silly actions that try to make people laugh

is a distinct act for entertainment not ongoing silly conduct

Antonyms

452 1.4

Calm and focused, not playful or joking

Compounds

hoopy antic
  • Informal
9.9

Silly actions that try to make people laugh

A childish, silly action done to be funny but that shows bad judgment

How Playful

stunt
300 4.9
prank
  • Informal
202 3.2
antic
53 5.6
caper
  • Informal
9 5.3
gag
70 3.7

Surface Forms

antic singular
antics plural

Etymology

Antics comes from an old Italian word antico meaning 'ancient' or 'old-fashioned'. Long ago actors wearing old masks made strange, funny moves, so those playful, silly acts became known as 'antics'.