Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective loutish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of loutish are boorish, churlish, and clownish. While all these words mean "uncouth in manners or appearance," loutish implies bodily awkwardness together with stupidity.

a loutish oaf

When would boorish be a good substitute for loutish?

Although the words boorish and loutish have much in common, boorish implies rudeness of manner due to insensitiveness to others' feelings and unwillingness to be agreeable.

a drunk's boorish behavior

In what contexts can churlish take the place of loutish?

The words churlish and loutish can be used in similar contexts, but churlish suggests surliness, unresponsiveness, and ungraciousness.

churlish remarks

When could clownish be used to replace loutish?

The words clownish and loutish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, clownish suggests ill-bred awkwardness, ignorance or stupidity, ungainliness, and often a propensity for absurd antics.

an adolescent's clownish conduct

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of loutish Homer wasn’t fooling around: those who aid the beggar are rewarded, those who mistreat him—the loutish suitors who have long besieged Penelope—are killed. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 22 Nov. 2024 His loutish gimmick of the week is an obnoxious get-ready-with-me tutorial that the rest of his Chamber mates, unfortunately, can’t scroll past. Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024 Widowed waitress Yvette Yates Redick and misfit nine-year-old son Benjamin Steinhauser remain in mourning for the man of the house — a vacancy poorly filled by her loutish current boyfriend (Rob Mayes). Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 Oct. 2024 At one point Jan, distracted by Kasia’s upcoming sonogram, is being drilled by his loutish captain. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for loutish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loutish
Adjective
  • His boorish behavior was condemned by others silently and did not affect the solemnity of the ceremony.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2025
  • While the boorish behavior of Twain’s shipmates is cataloged throughout (snapping off pieces of ancient monuments for souvenirs, for instance), his most flamboyant portrayal is a self-portrait.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • This includes uncouth habits like bad hygiene, inconsiderate acts like being self-centered or a violation of social norms.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Even at a cautious pace, the Escort feels raw and uncouth.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • The writer might have been reminded of Napoleon III, who hovers in the background of the novel as a sinister, clownish figure.
    Graham Robb, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
  • Orange cats, particularly tabbies like Butter, are known for their quirky and often clownish personalities.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mexican men were dismissed as violent Panchos and stupid Pedros.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
  • There’s more stupid romance around harder substances but few chemicals are more hazardous to ambition than THC.
    Benjamin Hale June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • And refusing to congratulate his SIL is just churlish.
    Stephanie Guerilus, People.com, 21 June 2025
  • An office that demands wisdom and restraint is now debased with churlish impulsivity, rambling incoherency and overt grift.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • The rowdy responses of the classless crowd were intolerable.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2025
  • But, for not a single D to stand to applaud a boy's brave battle with cancer, or a man's admission to West Point, was a classless disgrace.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loutish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loutish. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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