1 clownish | Definition of clownish
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clownish

adjective
clown·​ish | \ ˈklau̇-nish How to pronounce clownish (audio) \

Definition of clownish

: resembling or befitting a clown (as in ignorance and lack of sophistication)
Other Words from clownish Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about clownish

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Other Words from clownish

clownishly adverb
clownishness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for clownish

boorish, churlish, loutish, clownish mean uncouth in manners or appearance. boorish implies rudeness of manner due to insensitiveness to others' feelings and unwillingness to be agreeable. a drunk's boorish behavior churlish suggests surliness, unresponsiveness, and ungraciousness. churlish remarks loutish implies bodily awkwardness together with stupidity. a loutish oaf clownish suggests ill-bred awkwardness, ignorance or stupidity, ungainliness, and often a propensity for absurd antics. an adolescent's clownish conduct

Examples of clownish in a Sentence

the clownish antics of some of the teenagers at the wedding reception

Recent Examples on the Web

 And a lot of us wouldn’t be seen dead on a scooter, the clownish version of a Segway. — Joe Queenan, WSJ, "Sharing Services Need to Have More Imagination," 7 June 2019 But naturally, some people find Roma and the Sisters off-putting because of their clownish makeup or the perception that their work mocks religion. — Daniel Villarreal, Vox, "Drag queens are more political than ever. Can they lead a movement?," 5 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clownish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of clownish

1563, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for clownish

clownish

adjective
How to pronounce clownish (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of clownish

: like a clown : acting in a silly or funny way

See the full definition for clownish in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on clownish

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with clownish

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for clownish

Spanish Central: Translation of clownish

Nglish: Translation of clownish for Spanish Speakers

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