Synonyms of clownish

clownish

adjective

ˈklau̇-nish 

as in boorish

having or showing crudely insensitive or impolite manners

the clownish antics of some of the teenagers at the wedding reception

Synonyms & Similar Words

• boorish
• stupid
• uncouth
• loutish
• classless
• churlish
• cloddish
• vulgar
• unsophisticated
• rude
• awkward
• unpolished
• bestial
• oafish
• coarse
• doltish
• tasteless
• unrefined
• beastly
• discourteous
• ill-bred
• ungracious
• uncultivated
• ungainly
• unmannerly
• uncivil
• impolite
• mannerless
• misleared

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sophisticated
• polished
• refined
• cultivated
• classy
• gentlemanly
• genteel
• courtly
• ladylike
• civil
• well-bred
• polite
• couth
• courteous

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective clownish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clownish are boorish, churlish, and loutish. While all these words mean "uncouth in manners or appearance," clownish suggests ill-bred awkwardness, ignorance or stupidity, ungainliness, and often a propensity for absurd antics.

an adolescent's clownish conduct

When could boorish be used to replace clownish?

The meanings of boorish and clownish largely overlap; however, boorish implies rudeness of manner due to insensitiveness to others' feelings and unwillingness to be agreeable.

a drunk's boorish behavior

Where would churlish be a reasonable alternative to clownish?

The synonyms churlish and clownish are sometimes interchangeable, but churlish suggests surliness, unresponsiveness, and ungraciousness.

churlish remarks

In what contexts can loutish take the place of clownish?

Although the words loutish and clownish have much in common, loutish implies bodily awkwardness together with stupidity.

a loutish oaf

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of clownish

The Black characters that appeared on-screen closely resembled the clownish stereotypes popularized by the minstrels. — Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026

The clownish dance is a Fortnite video game gesture, and involves making an L shape with fingers, pressing it to one’s forehead, then high kicking from side to side. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026

Both McAdams and O’Brien play with their movie star personae but move beyond those expectations to deliver highly expressive, almost clownish performances — in the best way. — Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2026

Both McAdams and O’Brien deliver highly expressive, almost clownish performances — in the best way. — Katie Walsh, Dallas Morning News, 28 Jan. 2026