Definition of harlequinnext
as in clown
a comically dressed performer (as at a circus) who entertains with playful tricks and ridiculous behavior among the court entertainers waiting to enter the grand hall were masked harlequins in brightly colored pantaloons

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of harlequin If the Brits are anything to go by, feather boas and harlequin jumpsuits are out, and French-girl flats are in. Alice Newbold, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2026 Rather than the usual crisscross pattern, Holmes’ sweater features solid block diamonds in bold colors for a harlequin look that is honestly a breath of fresh air. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2026 In these respects, apart from the harlequin excesses of his Stalinism, Cowley is terrifically sound. Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Pity the poor actor who has to co-star opposite a 150-pound harlequin Great Dane. Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for harlequin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harlequin
clown
Noun
  • Even a rival gave kudos — kind of — to the clown.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
  • Thor is now a circus clown — not even a funny one at that — relegated to being the butt of Star-Lord's unfunny jokes and the least-serious Avenger.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Harlequin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harlequin. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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