antic

[ an-tik ]

noun

1. Usually antics.
   1. a playful trick or prank; caper.
   2. a grotesque, fantastic, or ludicrous gesture, act, or posture.
2. Archaic.
   1. an actor in a grotesque or ridiculous presentation.
   2. a buffoon; clown.
3. Obsolete.
   1. a grotesque theatrical presentation; ridiculous interlude.
   2. a grotesque or fantastic sculptured figure, as a gargoyle.

adjective

1. ludicrous; funny.
2. fantastic; odd; grotesque:

   an antic disposition.

verb (used without object)

, an·ticked, an·tick·ing.

1. Obsolete. to perform antics; caper.

antic

/ ˈæntɪk /

noun

1. archaic.
   an actor in a ludicrous or grotesque part; clown; buffoon

adjective

1. archaic.
   fantastic; grotesque

Other Words From

• anti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antic¹

1520–30; earlier antike, antique < Italian antico ancient (< Latin antīcus, antīquus; antique ), apparently taken to mean “grotesque,” as used in descriptions of fantastic figures found in Roman ruins

Word History and Origins

Origin of antic¹

C16: from Italian antico something ancient, or grotesque (from its application to fantastic carvings found in ruins of ancient Rome); see antique

Example Sentences

Between the new and unapologetically exuberant Democratic presidential ticket and the glorious Paris Olympics, the dog days of summer have shed their reputation for bittersweet lethargy and become the Season of the Vibe Shift, as antic as a rescue pup.

From Los Angeles Times

The agility competition might be the rhythmic gymnastics of Westminster, derided as less than by traditionalists, but it’s a growing sport with meritocratic principles and an air of antic fun in its favor.

From Seattle Times

Even before Macbeth lays eyes on the ghost of Banquo at the banquet, he adopts a version of Hamlet’s antic disposition, laughing strangely and behaving erratically.

From Los Angeles Times

In the first scene of “Mother Play: A Play in Five Evictions,” Paula Vogel’s antic, mournful new drama, Martha, a character modeled on the playwright, offers a version of Ecclesiastes.

From New York Times

Still, the antic was considered bush-league by NHL players until Andrei Svechnikov of Carolina scored a “Michigan” goal in 2019, followed by Trevor Zegras of Anaheim netting a couple three years later and a third this season against Kraken goalie Joey Daccord.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• joke
• shenanigan
• trick