buffoonery

noun

(ˌ)bə-ˈfü-nə-rē How to pronounce buffoonery (audio)
Definition of buffoonerynext
as in clowning
wildly playful or mischievous behavior their madcap buffoonery turned the duo into the nation's hottest comedy act

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 buffoonery Following the departure of Tom Baker in 1981, Doctor Who had started to take itself a little too seriously, perhaps as an antidote to Baker's increasing buffoonery during his seven years as the time lord. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026 Death by Lightning, adapted by Mike Makowsky from Candice Millard’s 2011 nonfiction book and directed by Matt Ross, hums with the strength of these performances, particularly Shannon’s quiet composure and Macfadyen mining new depths of buffoonery. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025 Scholz-Carlson’s staging pushes against the deep misogyny of Da Ponte’s libretto by accentuating the buffoonery of the two male romantic leads. — Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 2 Nov. 2025 Since medieval times, the colorful fool—from court jesters to Shakespeare’s characters—has used playful wit to critique authority and buffoonery to whip up excitement. — Time, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buffoonery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffoonery
  1. clowning
  2. joking
  3. tomfoolery
  4. clownery
  5. horseplay
  6. foolery
  7. slapstick
  8. playfulness
Noun
  • The clowning might be a little too effortful.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
  • As the race unfolds in real time, there’s clowning, collisions, sabotage, surprises, comedy, chaos and more.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
Definition of clowning
Noun
  • Oh, but the Padres manager was ready with the joking last night.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2026
  • Still, Yoon’s joking somehow lightens the mood.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Definition of joking
Noun
  • The project has been plagued by technical issues, supplier disputes, and alleged tomfoolery—empty mini tequila bottles were reportedly discovered on one of the airplanes under construction.
    — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
  • The latest tomfoolery consisted of a posting on Twitter/X last week that provided a picture of a genuine Monet painting, and the picture was labeled as supposedly being AI-generated.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Definition of tomfoolery
Noun
  • Allow Yahya Abdul-Mateen II to clarify his remarks about Aquaman being the work of clowns with… some clownery.
    — Jessica Wang, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2022
  • Chronicle Books In the world of clownery, tradition has long dictated that a clown must never steal another clown’s look.
    — Constance Grady, Vox, 20 Aug. 2018
Definition of clownery
Noun
  • When horseplay turns into an impromptu hookup, neither of the young men fight the urge.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
  • After France’s 4-3 victory against Argentina at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, horseplay between the players at the team hotel culminated in back-up centre-back Adil Rami setting off a fire extinguisher in the early hours of the morning.
    — Tom Williams, New York Times, 17 May 2026
Definition of horseplay
Noun
  • Jeffrey Jones played Principal Ed Rooney, Ferris' nemesis, who is dead set on catching Bueller in his foolery, but ultimately fails at his mission.
    — Emma Urdangen, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
  • One way to stop this proliferation of deep-fake nudity is to prosecute the offenders and make examples that such foolery has consequences.
    — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Definition of foolery
Noun
  • As notorious as Cotliar was for his accurate calls on election night, impressive memory, love for college basketball and the Los Angeles Times, he was also known around the newsroom for his occasional near-slapstick temper.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Physical comedy and razor-sharp wit collide in this carnival of theatrical surprises — a masterful blend of classic French farce and contemporary slapstick that will leave audiences breathless with laughter, the news release states.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of slapstick
Noun
  • Retro Entertaining Features Bring an element of playfulness outdoors with retro entertaining features like bar carts, lawn games, or even a back porch bar.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
  • Rowland’s sense of playfulness is also more evident in the artwork chosen for the space (subjects include a spa bathrobe in the common area and a weenie roast above the coffee condiments).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Definition of playfulness

Browse Nearby Words

buffoon
buffoonery
buffoonish
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Cite this Entry

“Buffoonery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffoonery. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of buffoonery for Spanish Speakers

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