clownishness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His efforts to be a terrifying figure are routinely undercut by his clownishness.

From Salon • Sep. 3, 2025

The problem with evil clowns is that it’s the clownishness, not the evil, they soon shed.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 14, 2022

Goals at the other end have declined, too, by about a third, but that’s a small price to pay if it lessens the embarrassing clownishness at the back.

From The Guardian • Feb. 17, 2020

In the campaign, Mr. Johnson stuck to a disciplined strategy, forswearing the clownishness that has characterized his political career.

From New York Times • Dec. 12, 2019

Heathcliff, himself as great a boor at twenty, contrived to rub off his clownishness in order to revenge himself upon his enemies; Catharine Linton's love inspired Hareton to as great an effort.

From Emily Brontë by Robinson, A. Mary F. (Agnes Mary Frances)