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 addition, Meadowlands can spoof enemy assets by imitating the specific, complex waveforms used by military and commercial satellite networks.

— David Szondy July 06, New Atlas, 7 July 2026
Second, GenAI output can reproduce part of a creator’s work or imitating their style, free riding on the years spent developing their craft.

— Zoey Forbes, The Dial, 7 July 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

Noun

Without Roberts in charge, expect the political and racial buffoonery to creep back into the conversation at ESPN.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The show, with its interest in corporate buffoonery, doesn’t quite manage to hand-wave away the queasy implications.

— Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026

Definition of buffoonery

Verb

Shahdadpuri walked to its location in the lower concourse, pulled the red jersey over the white-and-baby blue stripes of Argentina and spread his arms out wide — mimicking an image of Mahomes that was being shown on a video loop.

— Sam McDowell July 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026
The company is based in Gwinnett County and specializes in mimicking the appearance of 1970s-era Ford Broncos and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons with all the bells, whistles and customization of new luxury vehicles.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of mimicking

Verb

Bevel was horsing around with the Reverend James Orange and Andy Young in the courtyard under King's balcony, according to Orange.

— Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
In April 2020, Iglesias shared a video of him horsing around with Lucy and Nicholas as the pair attempted to climb on his back for a ride.

— Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026

Definition of horsing around

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