buffoon

noun

(ˌ)bə-ˈfün How to pronounce buffoon (audio)
Definition of buffoonnext
as in clown
a comically dressed performer (as at a circus) who entertains with playful tricks and ridiculous behavior the children at the birthday party giggled at the buffoon's silly tricks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example 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 buffoon He is looked upon as a bloviating buffoon, not to be believed or taken seriously. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026 Playing alongside Clarence Muse, who portrays a tenant farmer, Fetchit was cast as the clichéd buffoon, lazy and happy-go-lucky. — Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026 So the Dolphins haven’t totally escaped their buffoon-like past with Ross at the helm. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026 The movie is like a version of Waiting for Guffman (1996) in which the Christopher Guest character was not a buffoon but an earnest striver with grit and (significant) talent. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for buffoon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffoon
clown
Noun
  • An Illinois teen has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly committing a deadly stabbing attack while dressed in a clown outfit.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Tyquan Thornton Tyquan Thornton is not only known for being a speedster, with one of the fastest combine times in history, but a class clown as well.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of clown

Browse Nearby Words

buffo
buffoon
buffoonery
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Cite this Entry

“Buffoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffoon. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on buffoon

Nglish: Translation of buffoon for Spanish Speakers

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