1
as in harlequin
a comically dressed performer (as at a circus) who entertains with playful tricks and ridiculous behavior
a clown wearing big floppy shoes and a red wig
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2
as in bastard
a person whose behavior is offensive to others
you should stay away from that clown
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1
2
as in to cut up
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clown
Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025
His wife, Susan, a sweet woman with short grey hair, worked as a dental hygienist and performed as a clown named Jubilee at hospitals, nursing homes, parties — even the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
—Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 19 May 2025
The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
A lot of people have been clowning Sanders for the fall, especially after going after multiple other quarterbacks, including his new teammate Dillon Gabriel, who went 94th overall.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clown
Noun
Fans can also look forward to performances by the iconic Silver Spurs Quadrille, the adorable antics of kids competing in Mutton Bustin’, and plenty of laughs courtesy of the ever-entertaining rodeo clowns.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025
His wife, Susan, a sweet woman with short grey hair, worked as a dental hygienist and performed as a clown named Jubilee at hospitals, nursing homes, parties — even the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
—Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 19 May 2025
Verb
In between her shots at clowning stardom, Cherry makes impressive chains of bad decisions—most of them being illicit hookups with older women.
—The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
A lot of people have been clowning Sanders for the fall, especially after going after multiple other quarterbacks, including his new teammate Dillon Gabriel, who went 94th overall.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clown
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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Once infused with the diabolical spirit, the guide is transformed into a buffoon, complete with a harlequin outfit—a mad joker and a dancing fool who does a little jig to the sound of a jazz trio.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Eisenhower did not masquerade as any of these Wilsons.—
Bill Swank,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
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Protecting Authentic Japanese Whisky The ascent of Japanese whisky on the world’s stage came with an unfortunate side effect: a more deceptive counterpart masquerading under the same name.—
Chris Perugini,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Verb
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Nothing beats the taste of a refreshing piece of watermelon on a hot day, so having some cut up and ready in the refrigerator is crucial as the days warm up.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
14 June 2025
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Sandoval had cut up furniture in a rage and could make their tough brother cry, says Matt Green.—
Erin Moriarty,
CBS News,
11 June 2025
Noun
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Dylan Maxwell could easily have been an unsympathetic buffoon, but there’s a distinct love for (and in most cases, an appreciation of) the people behind the teen archetypes on display.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
20 May 2025
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Read: Comedy’s most erudite buffoon Mulaney has many advantages at Netflix that his conventional-television peers don’t, however.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But in politics — as in life —there’s a fine line between being genuine and being a jerk.—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Smoky, spicy jerk is also on the menu in the Pulled Jerk Pork & Coconut Shrimp appetizer at Eleanor’s at Sandals Grande Antigua.—
Sandals Resorts,
AFAR Media,
4 June 2025
Verb
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Someone inevitably ends up acting out a pineapple or accidentally miming their entire life story.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Mercury News,
3 June 2025
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One of the others mimed palming the girl’s rear while the third snapped a photo.—
Dan Greene,
New Yorker,
26 May 2025
Verb
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Fayetteville Sad Palomino’s Will King releases a collection of home recordings In between horsing around with his longtime band Sad Palomino, Will King has been recording and trying to decide the best way to share songs, mostly written during winters from 2020 to 2025.—
Monica Hooper,
Arkansas Online,
25 May 2025
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The sport requires a combination of elegance and toughness as a team of eight girls wear long gowns, perfectly matching accessories and impeccable makeup while riding horses around an arena.—
Daniel Eduardo Hernandez,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Their teammates on the night were comedian Jack Dee and Kelly Cates, one of the new presenters of Premier League highlights show Match of the Day.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
6 June 2025
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Mike Myers Prior to working for Combs, Mia worked as a personal assistant for comedian Mike Myers.—
Jenna Sundel
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clown. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.
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