Thesaurus results for CLOWNERY

clownery

noun

ˈklau̇-nə-rē

Definition of clownery

as in clowning

wildly playful or mischievous behavior it was clownery like that that resulted in an expensive vase being broken

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 clownery 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 Seems as if the airlines are still clowning and being targeted with lawsuits because of the clownery. — Breanna Edwards, The Root, 14 May 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clownery

Noun

On paper, the script didn’t seem that funny, and the looseness of it all — the clowning, the lack of a traditional plot structure — seemed kind of slapdash.

— Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
The clowning might be a little too effortful.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026

Definition of clowning

Noun

Arch Manning's joking comments at a news conference about a fake video of coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe erupted in controversy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
Indeed, at lunch, instead of separating into groups to eat, all 16 participants form one mega table and spend the half-hour joking and laughing together.

— Ellise Shafer, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of joking

Noun

After the film’s theatrical release on June 26, the decades-long saga of pranks and tomfoolery is finally coming to an end.

— Isabelle Farina, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
New assistant coach Alice Chilton is a blatant remodeling of Roy Kent — a brusque ex-soccer player who’s reluctant to engage with Ted’s tomfoolery or personal prodding — but Tanya Reynolds’ performance is equal turns wounded and witty.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of tomfoolery

Noun

The video depicts a group of students engaged in horseplay, progressing to two 15-year-olds tussling and laughing, according to the suit.

— Eric Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026
The undefeated South Dakota Coyotes prowled into Albertsons Stadium this weekend and turned what could have been an evening of horseplay for the Broncos into a dogfight.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of horseplay

Noun

There was an element of slapstick about Bournemouth’s second, with Justin Kluivert’s strike bouncing off the post and Lukas Hornicek’s before Scott’s follow-up cross looped agonisingly into the net off the outstretched foot of Malick Thiaw.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
With its slapstick mayhem and goofball charm, the film's oddball recruits defied the odds to become a smash at the box office.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026