as in silly
showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment
a zany plan to drive cross-country on a motorized scooter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in clown
a comically dressed performer (as at a circus) who entertains with playful tricks and ridiculous behavior
hired a zany to entertain the children at the birthday party
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in eccentric
a person of odd or whimsical habits
one of the challenges of hosting a radio call-in program is preventing the zanies from completely taking over the discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of zany
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 15 July 2025
The zanier time-traveling meta sequel ups his hallmark lampooning game, while also methodically redefining how funny and completely messed up these flicks could be.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 July 2025
The shoot-em-up RPG features zany boss fights, hilarious and over-the-top toilet humor, and a ridiculous amount of guns to choose from.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Something may snap inside you, causing a radical shift in your value systems when zany Uranus enters Gemini on July 7.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for zany
Adjective
In a reverse order, Nicholson is nominated as Supporting Actress In a Drama Series for her villainous mastermind character Sinatra in Hulu’s Paradise and as Guest Actress In A Comedy Series for her zany Dance Mom on HBO Max’s Hacks.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 15 July 2025
The zanier time-traveling meta sequel ups his hallmark lampooning game, while also methodically redefining how funny and completely messed up these flicks could be.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 July 2025
The shoot-em-up RPG features zany boss fights, hilarious and over-the-top toilet humor, and a ridiculous amount of guns to choose from.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Something may snap inside you, causing a radical shift in your value systems when zany Uranus enters Gemini on July 7.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for zany
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zany
Adjective
-
There were no costumes, no silly dances or hit parodies.—
Courtney Devores,
Charlotte Observer,
28 July 2025
-
That may sound silly to some, Foster said, but the work done by the Environmental Protection Agency in placing bands on birds and following the migration of bees informs officials about the impact of projects on the environment.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 July 2025
Noun
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The early stages of a comedian’s career is about finding your clown — the core of what is funny about you — and then acclimating audiences to it.—
Jesse David Fox,
Vulture,
30 July 2025
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In a surreal mix of live-action and AI imagery, the film follows a talented clown who loses her sense of self while seeking audience approval.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Ra’s decades-long adherence to this personal mythology, along with his air of serene bemusement and his extravagant robes and headdresses, led to his popular image as a colorful eccentric.—
Ekow Eshun
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
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Other characters include outcasts, visionaries and eccentrics — all of whom live on the margins as unseen — a former priest, a girl trapped in working her family’s candy stand, a woman who learned preaching from her brother and is a caretaker for her dying housemate.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
From the vantage point of 2025, this appears as absurd as suggesting that women’s soccer matches should be 70 minutes instead of 90, the same as in the men’s game.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
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The French super powerhouse has taken teams part since winning the UEFA Champions League crown on May 24, outscoring its foes by an absurd 21-1 margin.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
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Learn more about management options and which food plants are most susceptible to this insect in our harlequin bug on vegetables web page.—
Miri Talabac,
Baltimore Sun,
16 Apr. 2025
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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
Noun
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Since the 1940s, professional wrestling has grown in popularity, thanks to its creative characters, stellar performances, and broad appeal to a mainstream audience.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
27 July 2025
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Bowen reprises her character, Virginia Venit, in the comedy classic's second installment.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
26 July 2025
Adjective
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If the producers manage to create another roof moment, Torin and his stupid little hats are cooked.—
Olivia Crandall,
Vulture,
1 Aug. 2025
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Mia promises not to ask for help or do anything stupid.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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In 1929, the original came down to make way for the Empire State Building.—
Jacqui Gifford,
Travel + Leisure,
25 July 2025
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Paramount+ Premium is $12.99 per month and includes everything in the Essential plan plus Showtime originals, blockbuster movies and live TV with fewer ads.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Zany.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zany. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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