Synonyms for

Clown

Verb / klaʊn / Another word for clown — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A clown is a performer who wears funny clothes, a big red nose, and makeup to make people laugh.

Synonyms & similar words

merryandrew antic goofball goof clownaround buffoon jester comedian entertainer fool harlequin mime buffoon trickster funnyman laugh-maker humorist zany joker merrymaker prankster satirist clownish clumsy awkward ridiculous

Synonyms by register

Formal

buffoon jester harlequin fool

Informal

comedian prankster goofball joker silly person

Literary

mummer zany

Antonyms

serious person dignitary leader statesman professional dignified person

Common collocations

  • clown around
  • clown college
  • sad clown
  • birthday clown
  • circus clown
  • professional clown
  • act like a clown

Word family

noun clown
verb clown

Usage note

While 'clown' can refer to a professional entertainer, it is often used informally to describe someone acting foolishly or childishly, sometimes with a negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. The clown at the circus made us all laugh.
  2. I dressed up as a clown for Halloween.
  3. The birthday party had a clown who made balloon animals.
  4. The clown's big shoes were too big for him.
  5. The clown's face was covered in white makeup.

Quotes

  • I'm not a stand-up comic. I'm a sit-down comic. Or a give-up comic. Or a put-on-a-clown-suit-and-fall-down comic. But I'm not a stand-up comic.
  • Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.
  • I have a fine sense of the ridiculous, but no sense of humor.

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