1
as in harlequin
a comically dressed performer (as at a circus) who entertains with playful tricks and ridiculous behavior
a clown wearing big floppy shoes and a red wig
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in bastard
a person whose behavior is offensive to others
you should stay away from that clown
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of clown
Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 27 May 2025
The 52-year-old recently appeared in the Happy Gilmore 2 trailer and hilariously clowns Adam Sandler.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 5 June 2025
Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Premium independent book publisher The Folio Society is releasing a special version of Stephen King’s classic 1986 clown horror novel IT on July 15.
—Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clown
Noun
And as the AMAs proved to be fruitless in terms of any Swift news, fans will just have to keep clowning.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 27 May 2025
The 52-year-old recently appeared in the Happy Gilmore 2 trailer and hilariously clowns Adam Sandler.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
Examples include Roan’s retro Grammy Awards performance atop a giant pink pony and surrounded by clown cowboys, and arriving on stage at the 2024 Governors Ball by bursting out of a smoking bong apple and emerging in full body paint as the Statue of Liberty.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Premium independent book publisher The Folio Society is releasing a special version of Stephen King’s classic 1986 clown horror novel IT on July 15.
—Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clown
Noun
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Learn more about management options and which food plants are most susceptible to this insect in our harlequin bug on vegetables web page.—
Miri Talabac,
Baltimore Sun,
16 Apr. 2025
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Once infused with the diabolical spirit, the guide is transformed into a buffoon, complete with a harlequin outfit—a mad joker and a dancing fool who does a little jig to the sound of a jazz trio.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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These extreme anti-Israel demonstrations hide under the guise of free speech but are really part of a growing movement of unchecked antisemitism masquerading as political activism.—
Debra Silverstein,
Chicago Tribune,
24 July 2025
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Behind every underperforming team is a misalignment issue masquerading as a performance problem.—
Carrie Moore,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Verb
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And in order to maintain a nutritious balance to each of these meals, consider adding cut up vegetables (like celery or carrots) or fruit (strawberries or blueberries are easy options) to the plate.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
15 July 2025
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The information sector, including tech, is a major drag, with job cuts up 27% in the first half compared to the previous year.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
10 July 2025
Noun
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Capaldi himself was a phenomenal Doctor, bringing that trademark blend of grizzled warrior and cosmic buffoon, but his episodes were a bit hit-and-miss.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
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Problematic to be sure, but also a very in-character move for an ignorant buffoon.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Time,
6 May 2025
Noun
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Words like bully, arrogant, tyrant, and jerk often top the list.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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What once sat blank and unmoving begins to flow and creak and jerk beneath its own weight.—
Laura Poppick
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
Verb
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Keeping things light, Springfield then mimed getting up to leave before sitting back with a smile.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
13 July 2025
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The insults soon devolve into sarcastically miming each other’s words like little kids.—
Jake Kring-Schreifels,
Time,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Running or horsing around with sparklers can also cause injuries and burns when users trip and fall.—
Justin Laube,
EverydayHealth.com,
2 July 2025
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Umberto Rispoli squeezed between horses around the top of the stretch and then rode Journalism to a tremendous rally.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
24 May 2025
Noun
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The comedian, who had kept a relatively low profile since moving with wife Portia de Rossi to England in November, did an interview with English broadcaster Richard Bacon over the weekend.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
24 July 2025
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The show goes on — and on — for acclaimed comedian, actor and writer Atsuko Okatsuka.—
Frank DiGiacomo,
Billboard,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clown. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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