Synonyms of buffoon

buffoon

noun

(ˌ)bə-ˈfün 

as in clown

a comically dressed performer (as at a circus) who entertains with playful tricks and ridiculous behavior

the children at the birthday party giggled at the buffoon's silly tricks

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clown
• harlequin
• comedian
• buffo
• zany
• mime
• joker
• fool
• comic
• madcap
• jester
• wit
• antic
• cutup
• jokester
• gracioso
• motley
• droll
• humorist
• pantaloon
• farceur
• comedienne
• funnyman
• gagger
• mummer
• wag
• stand-up
• mimic
• second banana
• top banana
• gagman
• scaramouch
• gagster
• merry-andrew

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of buffoon

He is looked upon as a bloviating buffoon, not to be believed or taken seriously. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026

Playing alongside Clarence Muse, who portrays a tenant farmer, Fetchit was cast as the clichéd buffoon, lazy and happy-go-lucky. — Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026

So the Dolphins haven’t totally escaped their buffoon-like past with Ross at the helm. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026

The movie is like a version of Waiting for Guffman (1996) in which the Christopher Guest character was not a buffoon but an earnest striver with grit and (significant) talent. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026