1
as in comedy
humorous entertainment
an actor whose roles range from slapstick to serious drama
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2
as in hijinks
wildly playful or mischievous behavior
a lowbrow comedy that relies heavily on slapstick for its laughs
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in zany
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of slapstick
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025
All of the characters in the film — a slapstick comedy set in an incompetent restaurant — were animals with human attributes.
—Michael Paulson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
An undertow of sadness churns beneath the slapstick, a combination that inescapably brings to mind Karen Russell, whose 2011 Swamplandia!
—Sam Worley, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
There is slapstick farce and clowning but that’s not the only thing the play holds.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for slapstick
Noun
With hyperpop-ish glee, Barbie veered between musical, slapstick comedy, and melodrama.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025
All of the characters in the film — a slapstick comedy set in an incompetent restaurant — were animals with human attributes.
—Michael Paulson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
An undertow of sadness churns beneath the slapstick, a combination that inescapably brings to mind Karen Russell, whose 2011 Swamplandia!
—Sam Worley, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
There is slapstick farce and clowning but that’s not the only thing the play holds.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for slapstick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slapstick
Noun
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In the early 2000s, Brand was a rising star in the United Kingdom's comedy and media scene, working for the BBC and MTV.—
Lauren Frayer,
NPR,
30 May 2025
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The Emmy-winning comedy has been renewed for a fifth season.—
Christopher Rudolph,
People.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Chapman Freeborn, a global aircraft charter specialist and aviation support company, is offering travelers the chance to do something zany: go on a trip without knowing the destination first.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
19 May 2025
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Through 150 years, the race has produced some zany antics, memorable moments and some devastating losses.—
Mike Klingaman,
Baltimore Sun,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Sarkar writes with sharp humor and clarity, making complex ideas about power, identity and media feel accessible without dumbing them down.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
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The film’s blend of humor, supernatural elements and folklore struck a chord with audiences, paving the way for further exploration of the genre.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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In the mountains of Papua New Guinea, researchers encountered a clownish creature perched on a log in a fern meadow, basking in the sun.—
Lauren Liebhaber,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2025
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The suit also paints a clownish portrait of the entrepreneur, portraying him as pompous, shameless, and untrustworthy.—
Rachel Corbett,
Vulture,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Oscar Contenders Emerging From First Half Include 'Nouvelle Vague' and Jennifer Lawrence for 'Die My Love' Adding to that pressure, most of the guest stars showed up to the first season of the Hollywood satire to play themselves under heightened circumstances.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
21 May 2025
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Featuring David Carradine and Sylvester Stallone, the film stabs at political satire but is best enjoyed for its visceral campy pleasures.—
James Mercadante,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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While there is something amusing about the sight of a bear climbing in like a person hitching a ride, the aftermath of a bear finding its way into your car is rarely a laughing matter.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
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The vibrant 90-minute play that kicked off La Jolla Playhouse’s 2025-26 season on Thursday night, is filled with funny lines, dancing, amusing characters and the joyful celebration of life.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Certainly, an irreverent portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte is warranted, but at two and a half hours of alternating brutality and buffoonery, this movie really tries one’s patience.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2024
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His is a sort of erudite buffoonery that consistently tap-dances between clever, self-aware, and patently stupid.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The second floor serves as the main entertaining space.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
27 May 2025
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Sanders competing for time on the field will also be extremely entertaining.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Slapstick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slapstick. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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