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
Neda Ulaby, NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
This guy might be single-handedly responsible for generations of people having an irrational fear of clowns.
—Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
Bebe Rexha poses with some freaky clowns at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood on October 19.
—Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
For the last five years, Veneziale has been transforming his family’s suburban Philadelphia home into a theatrical Halloween walk-through of deranged clowns, lurking zombies, and jumpscares galore.
—Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
The biggest losers are the very citizens electing these clowns.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
But that won't ease the fears of anyone who categorizes clowns as monsters.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
All of the clowns introduced themselves one by one and offered encouragement and support.
—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
Verb
The clowns come at you quickly at Fast Splash Car Wash in Detroit, Mich.
—Neda Ulaby, NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
This guy might be single-handedly responsible for generations of people having an irrational fear of clowns.
—Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
Bebe Rexha poses with some freaky clowns at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood on October 19.
—Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
For the last five years, Veneziale has been transforming his family’s suburban Philadelphia home into a theatrical Halloween walk-through of deranged clowns, lurking zombies, and jumpscares galore.
—Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
The biggest losers are the very citizens electing these clowns.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
But that won't ease the fears of anyone who categorizes clowns as monsters.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
All of the clowns introduced themselves one by one and offered encouragement and support.
—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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clowns
Noun
-
The two buffoons shave her head, chain her in the basement of a messy remote home and then accuse her of being an alien.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
22 Oct. 2025
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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
-
Gave the two jerks her very best.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Because even in a world of monsters, ghouls, and greedy jerks, the good guys still prevail.—
Gwen Ihnat,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Shannon is, after all, one of our most gifted physical comedians.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Gordon helps map out the financial futures of Nick Cannon, David Oyelowo, Amandla Stenberg and other high-net-worth actors, athletes, comedians, filmmakers and musicians.—
Trey Williams,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Bring your dogs, your kids, your grandparents.—
Jordyn Noennig,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Late risers in pajamas walked their dogs, two men squabbled over a parking spot, and neighbors and shopkeepers went about their routines.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
These jokers in Indianapolis acting the fool.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
While striped skunk is edible, Coalition Brewing warns against its strong odor, scavenger diet and susceptibility to parasites.—
Stuart Dyos,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
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While striped skunk is edible, Coalition Brewing warns against its strong odor, scavenger diet and susceptibility to parasites.—
Stuart Dyos,
Nashville Tennessean,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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While striped skunk is edible, Coalition Brewing warns against its strong odor, scavenger diet and susceptibility to parasites.—
Stuart Dyos,
Nashville Tennessean,
22 Oct. 2025
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That’s a sure way to invite not only raccoons but other unwanted guests such as mice, opossums, and skunks.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clowns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clowns. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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