shenanigan
noun
she·nan·i·gan
shə-ˈna-ni-gən 
1
: a devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose
2
a
: tricky or questionable practices or conduct
—usually used in plural
b
: 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").
Synonyms
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
Even with all these corporate shenanigans, the film is likely going to be a huge success, hopefully opening the door for more musicals to be made in the immediate future.
—
Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2024
Santa runs a high-tech metropolis with elves, airships and special-mission forces: Delivering presents is a huge operation done with military precision so there can’t be any shenanigans.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 14 Nov. 2024
There were no shenanigans, just Bell riding the wall and trying to advance in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
According to the trailer, the quartet engages in fun shenanigans throughout the country, like trekking through rice patties, praying, taking mudbaths, and connecting with the locals.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shenanigan 
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Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2024
Santa runs a high-tech metropolis with elves, airships and special-mission forces: Delivering presents is a huge operation done with military precision so there can’t be any shenanigans.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 14 Nov. 2024
There were no shenanigans, just Bell riding the wall and trying to advance in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
According to the trailer, the quartet engages in fun shenanigans throughout the country, like trekking through rice patties, praying, taking mudbaths, and connecting with the locals.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shenanigan
Dictionary Entries Near shenanigan
Cite this Entry
“Shenanigan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shenanigan. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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