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Definitions

clown

[kloun] / klaʊn /
NOUN
comic performer, as in a circus
Synonyms
STRONGEST
buffoon comedian comic fool jester mime prankster
STRONG
antic cutup dolt gagman gagster harlequin humorist joker jokester merrymaker mountebank mummer picador pierrot punch wag wit zany
WEAK
farceur funnyperson funster jokesmith life of the party merry-andrew punchinello quipster wisecracker
NOUN
stupid, ignorant person
Synonyms
STRONGEST
buffoon lout
STRONG
blockhead bumpkin chuff churl clodhopper hayseed hick hind oaf peasant rube rustic swain yahoo yokel
WEAK
derision mucker
VERB
joke
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fool around
STRONG
jest
WEAK
act crazy act the fool cut up have fun kid around

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Syrian Revolution inspired Zaalan to become a clown after losing friends, acquaintances and inspirations who were truth tellers and artists.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

"It almost feels like my brain is trying to be the class clown."

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

He’d entered the league thrust into the position of savior, a 21-year-old high draft pick from USC trapped in a Meadowlands clown car.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

The group claimed United are "being dragged through chaos by clown ownership" and are "run like a circus".

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

Carefully Sam dipped his plastic clown cup into the goldfish bowl.

From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry