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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in bastard
a person whose behavior is offensive to others
you should stay away from that clown
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clown
Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2025
That’s thanks to Toby’s Clown School, where people come from all over the world to train in the art of clowning.
—Rebecca Deurlein, Southern Living, 22 July 2025
Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
While the film wasn't a hit with critics or audiences, Gaga nonetheless had some eye-popping looks on the press tour, sporting bold red hair and clown-like attire to evoke the comic chaos of her character.
—EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clown
Noun
The only thing that can make our favorite murder clown happier than Stu becoming a cold-blooded killer is the sight of his old friends, John and Quiet.
—Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2025
That’s thanks to Toby’s Clown School, where people come from all over the world to train in the art of clowning.
—Rebecca Deurlein, Southern Living, 22 July 2025
Verb
The sheriff threatens to arrest Morticia on account of aiding and abetting a murderer, but Gomez points out that these clowns (the cops) abandoned Nevermore to protect Normies at Pilgrim World.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
While the film wasn't a hit with critics or audiences, Gaga nonetheless had some eye-popping looks on the press tour, sporting bold red hair and clown-like attire to evoke the comic chaos of her character.
—EW.com, 31 Aug. 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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Pity the poor actor who has to co-star opposite a 150-pound harlequin Great Dane.—
Peter Rainer,
Christian Science Monitor,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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One of Dubin’s most striking insights is that blind spots often masquerade as strengths.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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Mathematicians have unraveled a key conjecture about knot theory Scanning the crowd at a fancy soiree may reveal a wide array of neckties, each fastened with a highly complex mathematical object masquerading as fashion.—
Max Springer,
Scientific American,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The statue of Abraham Lincoln by Mount Rushmore creator Gutzon Borglum was cut up to be sold for its silver content, according to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
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Born Drew Desbordes, Druski, 30, is a long way from the kid who spent his time at the dinner table cutting up.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The lunatic buffoon took a nap between boos at the US Open.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
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But times have changed, and this team of buffoons is forced to grapple with changing industry ethics and sensationalist journalism in its transition, all while Ron faces an identity crisis that challenges his bravado, his massive ego.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Check out its jerk chicken roll filled with carrots, cabbage, onions, cheese and jerk mayo; or try the jerk chicken wings and sides of rice and peas, plantains and cabbage.—
Loán Lake,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Sep. 2025
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No one says, 'This guy's a jerk, that guy is that,' or anything like that.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Dell mimed the physical act of branding cattle to indicate the importance of loyalty.—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
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Swift said, miming Jason holding up his beer can.—
Rachel McRady,
People.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Running or horsing around with sparklers can also cause injuries and burns when users trip and fall.—
Justin Laube,
EverydayHealth.com,
2 July 2025
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Heath Ryan, who represented Australia in dressage at the 2008 Olympics, can be seen in the video – which the rider said is about two years old – hitting a horse around 40 times.—
Matias Grez,
CNN Money,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Yet the Hollywood ceremony on CBS will be hosted by a comedian, Nate Bargatze, and many of the most-talked about shows and nominees have attracted viewers with humor and humanity.—
Jair Hilburn,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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What drove Gillis to Notre Dame fandom — and what made the Irish embrace the comedian?—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clown. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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