Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb play_a_joke_on
2 senses of play a joke on
Sense 1
hoax, pull someone's leg, play a joke on -- (subject to a playful hoax or joke)
=> deceive, lead on, delude, cozen -- (be false to; be dishonest with)
Sense 2
flim-flam, play a joke on, play tricks, trick, fob, fox, pull a fast one on, play a trick on -- (deceive somebody; "We tricked the teacher into thinking that class would be cancelled next week")
=> deceive, lead on, delude, cozen -- (be false to; be dishonest with)