jape
/dʒeɪp/
NOUN
1. A joke or humorous remark
A humorous remark, anecdote, or playful comment intended to amuse or provoke laughter.
1.1. Humorous remarks and witty comments
A funny or witty statement made to entertain, amuse, or make someone laugh.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- seriousness
- solemnity
- earnestness
- gravity
Examples
- His latest jape made everyone at the dinner table laugh.
- She responded to the criticism with a clever jape.
Related Words
1.2. A practical joke or playful trick
A mischievous act or harmless trick performed to surprise, fool, or amuse another person.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- serious act
- genuine behavior
- sincerity
Examples
- Putting a fake spider in his desk was a harmless jape.
- The children planned a little jape to surprise their teacher.
Related Words
- mischief
- horseplay
- fooling
- teasing
- tomfoolery
- shenanigans
VERB
2. Make jokes or play tricks
To joke, jest, or engage in playful and mischievous behavior, sometimes by teasing or mocking someone.
2.1. Joking and making humorous remarks
Speaking or behaving playfully by making jokes, witty comments, or amusing remarks.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- sermonize
- lecture
- speak seriously
- be earnest
Examples
- The old friends spent the evening japing about their youthful adventures.
- He continued japing with his colleagues despite the approaching deadline.
Related Words
- tease
- chaff
- fool around
- play
- amuse
2.2. Mocking or making fun of someone
Teasing, ridiculing, or making fun of someone through jokes or mischievous remarks.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The older boys japed at his unusual haircut.
- He japed about the mistake without realizing that his friend felt embarrassed.