Definition of clownish
:resembling or befitting a clown (as in ignorance and lack of sophistication)
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clownishly
adverb
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Examples of clownish in a Sentence
the clownish antics of some of the teenagers at the wedding reception
Recent Examples of clownish from the Web
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Lynch plays Dahmer as a high school senior, weird and clownish, but part of a group of friends that reveled in his oddities.
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See below for several impressive takes on the equal parts chic and clownish makeup trend.
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That spirit apparently motivated many Trump voters, who didn’t mind that their tribune spoke in clownish generalities, possessed no relevant experience and exhibited an itchy trigger finger.
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Giving up after 146 years because it’s been surpassed by the much-more-thrilling and clownish Washington circus.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clownish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of clownish
1563
clownish Synonyms
Synonyms
boorish, churlish, classless, cloddish, loutish, uncouthRelated Words
coarse, ill-bred, uncultivated, unpolished, unrefined, unsophisticated; tasteless, vulgar; beastly, bestial; doltish, oafish, stupid; discourteous, impolite, mannerless, misleared [chiefly Scottish], rude, uncivil, ungracious, unmannerly; awkward, ungainlyNear Antonyms
couth, cultivated, polished, refined, sophisticated, well-bred; classy, courtly, genteel, gentlemanly, ladylike; civil, courteous, politeSynonym Discussion of clownish
boorish, churlish, loutish, clownish mean uncouth in manners or appearance. boorish implies rudeness of manner due to insensitiveness to others' feelings and unwillingness to be agreeable.
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- a drunk's boorish behavior
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- churlish remarks
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- a loutish oaf
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- an adolescent's clownish conduct
CLOWNISH Defined for English Language Learners
clownish
play
adjective
Definition of clownish for English Language Learners
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: like a clown : acting in a silly or funny way
Learn More about clownish
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See words that rhyme with clownish Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for clownish Spanish Central: Translation of clownish Nglish: Translation of clownish for Spanish speakers
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