as in clown
a comically dressed performer (as at a circus) who entertains with playful tricks and ridiculous behavior
among the court entertainers waiting to enter the grand hall were masked harlequins in brightly colored pantaloons
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Recent Examples of harlequin
Once infused with the diabolical spirit, the guide is transformed into a buffoon, complete with a harlequin outfit—a mad joker and a dancing fool who does a little jig to the sound of a jazz trio.
—
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2025
But this harlequin moll can’t match Joker’s lunacy as either lawbreaker or musician.
—Armond White, National Review, 29 Nov. 2024
The doll, which is called the Witch Weaver, wears flared bell-bottoms, a gossamer harlequin blouse, gold waistcoat and crystal headpiece — taking inspiration from Reed’s signature design codes, personal style and even Lady Gaga.
—Violet Goldstone, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
These days, costumes range from fairy-tale characters, clowns and harlequins to Napoleonic soldiers and celebrities.
—Matt Ralphs, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for harlequin
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2025
But this harlequin moll can’t match Joker’s lunacy as either lawbreaker or musician.
—Armond White, National Review, 29 Nov. 2024
The doll, which is called the Witch Weaver, wears flared bell-bottoms, a gossamer harlequin blouse, gold waistcoat and crystal headpiece — taking inspiration from Reed’s signature design codes, personal style and even Lady Gaga.
—Violet Goldstone, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
These days, costumes range from fairy-tale characters, clowns and harlequins to Napoleonic soldiers and celebrities.
—Matt Ralphs, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for harlequin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harlequin
clown
Noun
-
Nothing sends chills down your spine like evil clowns, undead monsters and a filthy car.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
12 Sep. 2025
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Someone should be impeaching this Laporta clown.—
Pol Ballus,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Harlequin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harlequin. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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