shenanigan

noun

she·nan·i·gan shə-ˈna-ni-gən

Synonyms of shenanigan next

: a devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose

: tricky or questionable practices or conduct

—usually used in plural

: high-spirited or mischievous activity

—usually used in plural

Did you know?

The history of shenanigan is as tricky and mischievous as its meaning. Etymologists have some theories about its origins, but no one has been able to prove them. All we can say for certain is that the earliest known uses of the word in print appeared in the mid-1800s. Although the "underhanded trick" sense of the word is oldest, the most common senses in use now are "tricky or questionable practices" (as in "political shenanigans") and "high-spirited behavior" (as in "youthful shenanigans").

Examples of shenanigan in a Sentence

students engaging in youthful shenanigans on the last day of school an act of vandalism that went way beyond the usual shenanigans at summer camp

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

But while there was some grumbling from Democratic voters online about the potential for shenanigans, those fears were not echoed by party leaders and Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the day after the election. —

Monica Potts, ABC News, 16 Dec. 2024 The shenanigans are happening right before our eyes, yet seemingly remain out of sight. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 The second season sees our brilliant band dealing with money troubles (ugh, capitalism), a rival Muslim girl group and rom-com shenanigans in the most charming, delectable way possible. —

Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024 Problem appears ‘contained’ The news of the accounting shenanigans comes amid a period of turmoil for the company. —

Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shenanigan