Pranks are often seen as a form of harmless entertainment, but repeated or particularly aggressive pranks can cause serious harm. Fortunately, there are plenty of synonyms for "prank" that can help express the idea of playful amusement without running the risk of harm to others. Some possible synonyms include "hoax," "joke," "gag," "trick," "spoof," "mischief," "shenanigans," and "frolic." Each of these terms has a slightly different flavor, but all suggest a sense of good-natured fun and lighthearted humor that can bring people together and create a sense of shared joy.