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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to cut up
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clown
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
Clown Alert This post is a scaredy-cat guide designed mostly for viewers who suffer from flight anxiety, but some people are scared of clowns too.
—Anne Victoria Clark, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult and David Corenswet clowned around onstage during the Superman presentation at CinemaCon.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clown
Noun
The first night, the characters are menaced by a bald hulk in overalls, wearing a clown mask with the mouth area (including his teeth) smashed in.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
Clown Alert This post is a scaredy-cat guide designed mostly for viewers who suffer from flight anxiety, but some people are scared of clowns too.
—Anne Victoria Clark, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
Directing actors who make all the physical transitions onstage in between scenes also appeals to Saur, whose professional resume includes acting, acrobatics, clowning and drag.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult and David Corenswet clowned around onstage during the Superman presentation at CinemaCon.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 2 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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The answer turns in no small measure on whether law is a business masquerading as a profession or a profession whose commitment to honor its Oath to uphold the Constitution and to defend the rule of law eclipses its (short-term) business interest.—
Mark A. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
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Some of them overlooked realities like extreme heat, power outages, and near-zero internet bandwidth—while others tried solutions that were essentially file libraries masquerading as learning platforms.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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How To Make Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Prep bacon: To make this recipe even easier, cut up your bacon before cooking it.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
10 May 2025
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The government still leads all sectors in job cuts through the first four months of the year, with government cuts up 680% compared to the first four months of 2024.—
Molly Bohannon,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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Trump calls Bruce Springsteen a 'jerk': The president slapped back after the musician voiced criticism at concertNeed a break?—
Chris Jordan,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
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Millions of readers follow along for her advice on work quandaries big and small, from dealing with office jerks to quitting a toxic job.—
Jennifer Liu,
CNBC,
11 May 2025
Verb
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Through clowning and miming, Neill tries to eat a cupcake with a dog collar on, play the guitar and face his own fears — even encouraging the audience to hurl insults at him during one part of the show.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2025
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Jenna Bush Hager and Husband Henry Say Son Hal, 5, Is ‘Jealous of Our Romance’ — and Will Start Crying When His Parents Kiss Munn could be seen laughing and miming locking her lips.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Four people are facing charges in Louisiana for horsing around in a small-town Walmart last week. Video that was posted on TikTok and went viral on social media showed three men and a teenage boy riding horses through the business in Baker, Louisiana.—
Elizabeth Pritchett,
FOXNews.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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Quit horsing around — the Clydesdales are back!—
Breanne L. Heldman,
People.com,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In the lead-up, fellow comedians — including Aubrey Plaza, Nikki Glaser, Tiffany Haddish and more — posed with Rivers' ashes.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
13 May 2025
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The film, from British ventriloquist and comedian Nina Conti, will debut in New York City in theaters on June 6 with an L.A. premiere following a week later (June 13).—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clown. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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