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
Relevance
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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Recent Examples of zany
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
No further details were unveiled but, as always, expect the most zany and dangerous stunts from the Jackass gang.
—
Anthony D'alessandro,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
Emily Ratajkowski's interpretation of Marge Simpson from The Simpsons at Klum's 2015 Heidi Halloween was perfectly zany for the occasion.
—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
The younger characters – the Brown children and Gina – get pushed aside for their zanier elders, and their character development suffers as a result.
—
Troy Aidan Sambajon,
Christian Science Monitor,
13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zany
Adjective
The result is a zanier and livelier ride than the cloistered and predictable Harry’s House.
—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
No further details were unveiled but, as always, expect the most zany and dangerous stunts from the Jackass gang.
—
Anthony D'alessandro,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
Emily Ratajkowski's interpretation of Marge Simpson from The Simpsons at Klum's 2015 Heidi Halloween was perfectly zany for the occasion.
—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
The younger characters – the Brown children and Gina – get pushed aside for their zanier elders, and their character development suffers as a result.
—
Troy Aidan Sambajon,
Christian Science Monitor,
13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zany
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zany
Adjective
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Over the years, the visuals dramatically improve, from snuff film aesthetics to confidently silly splendor.
-
The Alexa smart assistant is as good as ever, with tons of useful and silly skills, along with deep integration for ordering items via Amazon.
Noun
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The only leaders more buffoonish and lethal than the fairground hucksters elected in our failing democracies are the omnipotent clowns of tyranny.
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Up until his first day of filming Jackass, Steve-O was a clown in nightclubs, cruise ships and at a flea-market circus.
Noun
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With its loose ends and digressions, Dream Me a Dream stays true to those idiosyncratic instincts while retaining enough of the welcoming glow of Dance of Love to make this an affecting farewell from an endearing eccentric.
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The eccentric cuz is quick to try and help Bobby solve problems, which often gets him into trouble, but ultimately pushes him out of his shell.
Adjective
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But even the most perfect Constitution can be undone by the wicked with the help of the bought, the stupid, and the cowardly.
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White can believe Hokit said something stupid and still believe fighters should be allowed to speak for themselves.
Noun
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For the event, Kaling donned a strapless Elie Saab gown covered in crystal embroidery, which included a harlequin pattern and a sheer skirt.
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Colman Domingo wore a colorful custom Valentino look based on the house's harlequin motif.
Noun
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The organization is seeking investors willing to accept modest returns in exchange for preserving historic buildings, supporting local businesses and maintaining the character of West Marin communities.
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Elementary school-age kids like Jimmy may enjoy the aquarium at the Seas with Nemo & Friends, games at the exit to Spaceship Earth, character greetings at CommuniCore Hall, different soda flavors from around the world in Club Cool and rides like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or Frozen Ever After.
Adjective
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Blending historical facts and patriotic myths, the works offer a vibrant, playful and sometimes absurd look at events like the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Washington crossing the Delaware.
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As tensions rise and panic sets in, the sisters are forced into a painful and increasingly absurd fight for survival before the homeowner returns.
Noun
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Black Rock Coalition bands like funk-metal group 24-7 Spyz and shoegaze oddballs the Veldt—particularly when the Veldt’s murkiness resolves into a major-key chorus.
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His trilogy is, likewise, a straphangers’ gallery of metropolitan oddballs, from Zippo, a pyromaniac turned blaxploitation filmmaker, to Uncle Rich, a master criminal who stages a daring raid on the Waldorf-Astoria from a disused train tunnel with the help of a homeless army.
Cite this Entry
“Zany.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zany. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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