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
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Recent Examples of clowns
Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
Strangely, all the clowns with Ukraine flags 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 in their bio are also all silent on this one.
—Amanda Castro
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
The sheriff threatens to arrest Morticia on account of aiding and abetting a murderer, but Gomez points out that these clowns (the cops) abandoned Nevermore to protect Normies at Pilgrim World.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Nothing sends chills down your spine like evil clowns, undead monsters and a filthy car.
—Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
Strangely, all the clowns with Ukraine flags 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 in their bio are also all silent on this one.
—Amanda Castro
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
The sheriff threatens to arrest Morticia on account of aiding and abetting a murderer, but Gomez points out that these clowns (the cops) abandoned Nevermore to protect Normies at Pilgrim World.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clowns
Noun
-
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
-
The mechanism feels smooth and sturdy—no awkward jerks or wobbles.—
Zoë Sessums,
Architectural Digest,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Life is too short to work with jerks.—
Shayne Fitz-Coy,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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These are great comedians, working up their scenes, as before, from hours of improv.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The evening also featured surprise appearances and announcements by comedians Chloe Fineman and Liza Koshy, introducing elements of music, food, and entertainment that mirrored the brand’s approach to multisensory engagement and cultural relevance.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The man says his next step may be to approach the dogs' owner with an offer of money to remove them from their current situation and find them a proper home.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Designers Rachel Antonoff and Susan Korn—who hosted their second annual Best in Show runway, which paired adoptable dogs with human models—also welcome children.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
These jokers in Indianapolis acting the fool.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Around 75% of Americans are exposed to raccoons, skunks and foxes — the very wildlife that commonly spread the fatal disease to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
5 Sep. 2025
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The skunk with distemper is stuck in the window well again, chewing incessantly on the garden hose that is coiled up in there.—
Miriam Toews
September 3,
Literary Hub,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Around 75% of Americans are exposed to raccoons, skunks and foxes — the very wildlife that commonly spread the fatal disease to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The flame also dances back and forth for an even more convincing look.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
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In the final seconds of the Sex and the City revival series, Carrie dances down the hallway of her Gramercy Park townhome in a flirty outfit while Barry White plays, embracing her singledom.—
Carson Blackwelder,
People.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clowns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clowns. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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