clownish

adjective

clown·​ish ˈklau̇-nish 

: resembling or befitting a clown (as in ignorance and lack of sophistication)

clownishly adverb

clownishness noun

Synonyms

• boorish
• stupid
• uncouth
• loutish
• classless
• churlish
• cloddish
• vulgar

Choose the Right Synonym for 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.

a drunk's boorish behavior

churlish suggests surliness, unresponsiveness, and ungraciousness.

churlish remarks

loutish implies bodily awkwardness together with stupidity.

a loutish oaf

clownish suggests ill-bred awkwardness, ignorance or stupidity, ungainliness, and often a propensity for absurd antics.

an adolescent's clownish conduct

Examples of clownish in a Sentence

the clownish antics of some of the teenagers at the wedding reception

Recent Examples on the Web

In part, because there was something fascinating about the clownish way their once cutting-edge images no longer fit. —Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 16 Aug. 2025

Joining Proctor in court was Meatball Morrissey’s clownish prosecutor, Adam Lally. —Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2025

And best of all is the entrance of Gladys (Amy Madigan), the almost clownish-looking eccentric, red-wigged aunt of Alex who comes to visit. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025

Inspired by the artifice of playthings, Jacobs turned to 1960s paper dolls last February, and this season opened the door to the dollhouse once again with clownish, clomping platform heels that forced his models to walk with a Barbie-like gait. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 3 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clownish

• brownish