1
as in harlequins
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in bastards
a person whose behavior is offensive to others
you should stay away from that clown
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of clowns
James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
But that won't ease the fears of anyone who categorizes clowns as monsters.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
For Jones, that means confronting her childhood fear of clowns.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
In an operating room, a mad doctor performs plastic surgery to turn new recruits into killer clowns.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
And speaking of clowns, in comes Charles on his walk of shame.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025
But the tax benefit will also extend to gambling dealers, clowns, DJs, entertainers, content creators, maids, electricians, plumbers, babysitters, drivers and more.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
These figures–dancers, clowns and muses–are not only recurring motifs in Picasso’s art, but serve as stand-ins for the artist himself, navigating the complex terrain between outsider and icon.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Little ones always look cute as clowns, while older kids might get a kick out of a punny costume.
—Ella Cerón, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
More than a decade later, the series continues to reimagine American histories and channel primal fears — from clowns and cults, to witches and ghosts — with each installment cloaked in social commentary and camp.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
But that won't ease the fears of anyone who categorizes clowns as monsters.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
For Jones, that means confronting her childhood fear of clowns.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
In an operating room, a mad doctor performs plastic surgery to turn new recruits into killer clowns.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
And speaking of clowns, in comes Charles on his walk of shame.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025
But the tax benefit will also extend to gambling dealers, clowns, DJs, entertainers, content creators, maids, electricians, plumbers, babysitters, drivers and more.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
These figures–dancers, clowns and muses–are not only recurring motifs in Picasso’s art, but serve as stand-ins for the artist himself, navigating the complex terrain between outsider and icon.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Little ones always look cute as clowns, while older kids might get a kick out of a punny costume.
—Ella Cerón, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clowns
Noun
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But times have changed, and this team of buffoons is forced to grapple with changing industry ethics and sensationalist journalism in its transition, all while Ron faces an identity crisis that challenges his bravado, his massive ego.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The sequel sees Odenkirk’s Hutch Mansell attempt to take a family vacation, only to cross paths with violent jerks played by Colin Hanks and Sharon Stone.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
22 Sep. 2025
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The mechanism feels smooth and sturdy—no awkward jerks or wobbles.—
Zoë Sessums,
Architectural Digest,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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As comedians from Bill Burr to Kevin Hart were slammed for performing at Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival, Dave Chappelle said the Middle Eastern nation is actually more suitable for stand-up than the United States.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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The Riyadh Comedy Festival has been under fire recently, with many comedians being criticized for participating in the event.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The 2-year-old appears to have gotten out into the backyard and opened a kennel where two Rottweilers were being kept, allowing the dogs to get out and attack him, the Valdosta Police Department said in a statement.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
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The ‘dogs’ proved so popular, in fact, that the 1966 World Cup group game between France and Uruguay had to be moved across London to White City as Wembley’s owners refused to cancel its regular Friday night meeting.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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There are high columns crawling with ivy, nearly 12 acres of rolling lawns, teensy windows with teensy shutters, and a diminutive pool house that apes a fairy-tale cottage.—
Adriane Quinlan,
Curbed,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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These jokers in Indianapolis acting the fool.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Rabies can be found in many other wildlife species, including raccoons, skunks, coyotes and foxes.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
18 Sep. 2025
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After World War I, fur remained a status garment, though lower-cost furs like skunk, mole, and musquash entered mainstream winter wear.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Rabies can be found in many other wildlife species, including raccoons, skunks, coyotes and foxes.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
18 Sep. 2025
-
After World War I, fur remained a status garment, though lower-cost furs like skunk, mole, and musquash entered mainstream winter wear.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clowns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clowns. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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