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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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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 shenanigan However, when asked about any shenanigans Yungblud and Hill might have gotten into on the road, the singer remains circumspect. — Katherine Turman, SPIN, 21 Aug. 2026 On to his scheme, the sheriff ensures the two men don’t get anywhere near each other overnight and in the morning, Hal is arraigned by a judge who has little time for his shenanigans. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 For example, the ‘bottle’ shenanigans that started during their Premier League match at the Etihad in April. — Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026 The original cast of the sitcom, which came to focus more and more on Urkel’s shenanigans in its later years, reunited for Entertainment Weekly in September 2017. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shenanigan

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shenanigan

Noun

The stagehands finally lowered the elevated side of the stage, ended their mischief, and Belafonte began singing.

— Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
McConaughey is glad to tell a story about some mischief on set.

— Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of mischief

Noun

There’s a fun bit when Green pulls her badge to walk Reacher out through the police cordon, pretending to have placed him under arrest, but the ruse doesn’t last long.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Patterson was accused of pretending to eat the same portion, and of feigning illness in an elaborate ruse to suggest she’d also been poisoned.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of ruse

Noun

Likewise, the fact that somebody correctly anticipated an announcement and made money does not by itself prove misconduct.

— Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Illinois does not have independent watchdogs investigating fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct or neglect in state government, agencies or public programs.

— Collin Corbett, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of misconduct

Noun

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
Between their champagne problems and flirty tomfoolery, Anna disappears, initiating a futile rescue search.

— Maggie Turner, Air Mail, 25 July 2026

Definition of tomfoolery

Noun

McNeal added that his second year in the offense has given him more confidence in the scheme and motivated him to get stronger to contribute in the run game.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
While Simmons’ offensive scheme helped unlock FIU’s ground game last season, quarterbacks Keyone Jenkins and Joe Pesansky combined for 13 interceptions.

— Alejandro Hernandez, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of scheme

Noun

Treister had a smart sense of humor, often performing magic tricks for anyone who would come over to his home, his family said.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Layered background sighs, a resonant lead vocal, autumnal acoustic guitar flickers, synths both eerie and trippy—James has all his tricks on tap.

— Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of trick

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shelvings

shenanigan

shenanigans

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“Shenanigan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shenanigan. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shenanigan

noun

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