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
Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 27 Mar. 2025
In real time, the audience, the queens watching, and perhaps Suzie herself all learn that Suzie has a knack for sexiness onstage, even though she’s dressed as a clown.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 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
Later that evening, James made a buzzer-beater to help the Lakers defeat the Indiana Pacers and took to Instagram shortly after to clown SAS.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 27 Mar. 2025
In real time, the audience, the queens watching, and perhaps Suzie herself all learn that Suzie has a knack for sexiness onstage, even though she’s dressed as a clown.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 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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His approach emphasizes the importance of doing fewer things at a natural pace and shifting away from hyper-visible activity that often masquerades as productivity.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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The next generation will not inherit a society built on genuine understanding and progress, but one defined by ideological extremism masquerading as compassion.—
Kevin Waldman,
Twin Cities,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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So the final suit cuts up around his neck, and the floral embellishment on his clothes ties him into all of that.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2025
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Using a pastry blender, cut in 1/4 cup each shortening and cold butter, cut up, until pieces are pea size.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
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
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Washington has become the court of Nero: an incendiary emperor, submissive courtiers, and a buffoon on ketamine tasked with purging the civil service.—
Claude Malhuret,
The Atlantic,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
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But this Ron Howard was an alternate universe version of Ron Howard, who instead of being notoriously nice, is sort of a jerk.—
Esther Zuckerman,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2025
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Someone actually just said to me that all the men in the book are jerks.—
Gal Beckerman,
The Atlantic,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
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Angus and Elsbeth hit it off right away, moving quickly from miming to speaking on the phone.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Quit horsing around — the Clydesdales are back!—
Breanne L. Heldman,
People.com,
10 Feb. 2025
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In the video, Payne is shown horsing around with a large outdoor crowd and his bandmates, encouraging the fans to quiet their screaming and then raise the volume all the way back up.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA TODAY,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Trump sued Maher in 2013 for $5 million after the comedian made a crass joke about his mother and an orangutan.—
Steff Danielle Thomas,
The Hill,
19 Apr. 2025
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On Friday’s episode of Real Time, the comedian took a swipe at the Disney live-action adaptation after Lebanon banned the movie over Israeli star Gal Gadot, who is on the country’s boycott list.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clown. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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