CLOWNING Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

clowning 1 of 2

noun

as in joking

wildly playful or mischievous behavior our coworker's clowning was distracting, but fun to watch

Synonyms & Similar Words

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clowning

2 of 2

verb

present participle of clown

as in masquerading

Related Words

as in cutting up

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 clowning

Noun

The clowning might be a little too effortful. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 As the race unfolds in real time, there’s clowning, collisions, sabotage, surprises, comedy, chaos and more. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026 Yes, this is the modern clowning that all the thinkpieces are thinking about. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 1 Mar. 2026 With an impressive ability to do accents and a background in clowning, Storrie is made for this. — Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Feb. 2026 The balance is also what clowning is. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026 There’s no grandstanding, no frantic clowning. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026 The clowning isn’t over just yet, though. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2026 As with older clowning traditions, the early American circus clowns were adults performing taboo acts to shock and delight other adults. — Time, 30 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clowning

Noun

Back in December 1968, Dolan wrote a joking column about the earlier Lake Worth monster, from way back in 1947.

— Star-Telegram staff, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026
Oh, but the Padres manager was ready with the joking last night.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2026

Definition of joking

Verb

In the limited series, the cast attends a fan convention where they get caught up in a dangerous life-imitating-art situation — a premise drawing comparisons to the beloved sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
Krasner warned potential copycats who were thinking of imitating Hughes' behavior.

— Kelsie Cairns , Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of imitating

Verb

Using unseen footage from Presley’s 1969 to 1976 Las Vegas residency, the movie plays the hits – plus The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel – but also showcases his sense of humor, quipping with crowds and cutting up with bandmates.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 June 2026
Always cutting up and making memories.

— Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026

Definition of cutting up

Verb

Punk exploded in front of a handful of scared-to-death dirtsheet reporters who were out of their league, mimicking a helpless Tony Khan.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Anchoring the third floor is the primary suite, which includes a generous bedroom, a sleek, modern bathroom, and a dressing room where the ceiling is inset with a panel mimicking the night sky.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of mimicking

Verb

Ficarra is a brilliant clown — his part is all miming — and also the most level-headed of these characters.

— Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Müldür immediately ran off towards the assistant referee, pointing at Almirón and miming the action the Atlanta United forward had done.

— George Edwards, New York Times, 21 June 2026