CLOWNISH Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'clownish' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clownish are boorish , churlish , and loutish . While all these words mean "uncouth in manners or appearance," clownish suggests ill-bred awkwardness, ignorance or stupidity, ungainliness, and often a propensity for absurd antics. // an adolescent's clownish conduct

Q: When could 'boorish' be used to replace 'clownish'?

The meanings of boorish and clownish largely overlap; however, boorish implies rudeness of manner due to insensitiveness to others' feelings and unwillingness to be agreeable. // a drunk's boorish behavior

Q: Where would 'churlish' be a reasonable alternative to 'clownish'?

The synonyms churlish and clownish are sometimes interchangeable, but churlish suggests surliness, unresponsiveness, and ungraciousness. // churlish remarks

Q: In what contexts can 'loutish' take the place of 'clownish'?

Although the words loutish and clownish have much in common, loutish implies bodily awkwardness together with stupidity. // a loutish oaf

clownish

adjective

ˈklau̇-nish

Definition of clownish next

as in boorish

having or showing crudely insensitive or impolite manners the clownish antics of some of the teenagers at the wedding reception

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective clownish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clownish are boorish, churlish, and loutish. While all these words mean "uncouth in manners or appearance," clownish suggests ill-bred awkwardness, ignorance or stupidity, ungainliness, and often a propensity for absurd antics.

an adolescent's clownish conduct

When could boorish be used to replace clownish?

The meanings of boorish and clownish largely overlap; however, boorish implies rudeness of manner due to insensitiveness to others' feelings and unwillingness to be agreeable.

a drunk's boorish behavior

Where would churlish be a reasonable alternative to clownish?

The synonyms churlish and clownish are sometimes interchangeable, but churlish suggests surliness, unresponsiveness, and ungraciousness.

churlish remarks

In what contexts can loutish take the place of clownish?

Although the words loutish and clownish have much in common, loutish implies bodily awkwardness together with stupidity.

a loutish oaf

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of clownish If the silly Elm Street sequels turned Freddy into a clownish figure, then his metaphysical inspiration will emerge darker and crueler than could be imagined on the safety of a film set. —

Rory Doherty, Vulture, 28 June 2024 Everyone wants to see this clownish, larger-than-life villain. —

Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Oct. 2024 In the days after the protests came the death of former CCP General Secretary Jiang Zemin, an avuncular and garrulous (if sometimes clownish) leader. —

Orville Schell, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2022 That’s when the descriptions of the clownish gunman surfaced. —

Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clownish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clownish

Adjective

The Globes have remade themselves over the past few years, going from a model of old-school corruption (bribery, being boorish around celebrities) to a more accountable organization whose corruption now has a friendly modern face.

Jen Chaney, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024
Set on the glamorous European island, the film follows a rag-tag band of noble thieves who steal from the boorish elite tourists that destroy their home each summer.

Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024