as in clown
a comically dressed performer (as at a circus) who entertains with playful tricks and ridiculous behavior
in the comic opera, the buffo shared his entrance aria with a grimacing mime
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of buffo
Instead of the buffo landlord Benoit coming for the rent, the four Bohemians impersonate him themselves in a skit that was a little beyond the L.A. cast’s comic skills.
—
Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2019
Alessandro Corbelli brought seasoned basso-buffo authority to the manipulative Alfonso.
—John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, 18 Feb. 2018
Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2019
Alessandro Corbelli brought seasoned basso-buffo authority to the manipulative Alfonso.
—John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, 18 Feb. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffo
Noun
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More than a decade later, the series continues to reimagine American histories and channel primal fears — from clowns and cults, to witches and ghosts — with each installment cloaked in social commentary and camp.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Oct. 2025
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But that won't ease the fears of anyone who categorizes clowns as monsters.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
1 Oct. 2025
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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Pity the poor actor who has to co-star opposite a 150-pound harlequin Great Dane.—
Peter Rainer,
Christian Science Monitor,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buffo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffo. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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