clownish

adjective clown·ish \ˈklau̇-nish\

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

Full Definition of CLOWNISH

: resembling or befitting a clown (as in ignorance and lack of sophistication)

— clown·ish·ly adverb

— clown·ish·ness noun

See clownish defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of CLOWNISH

1563

Related to CLOWNISH

Synonyms: boorish, churlish, classless, cloddish, loutish, uncouth

Synonym Discussion of 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>.

Rhymes with CLOWNISH

brownish

Learn More About CLOWNISH

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "clownish"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "clownish"

Nglish: Translation of "clownish" for Spanish speakers

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