Synonyms of harlequin

harlequin

noun

ˈhär-li-k(w)ən 

as in clown

a comically dressed performer (as at a circus) who entertains with playful tricks and ridiculous behavior

among the court entertainers waiting to enter the grand hall were masked harlequins in brightly colored pantaloons

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clown
• buffo
• buffoon
• comedian
• mime
• zany
• comic
• joker
• madcap
• jester
• motley
• pantaloon
• wit
• fool
• antic
• cutup
• gracioso
• mummer
• droll
• mimic
• humorist
• farceur
• comedienne
• wag
• stand-up
• top banana
• gagman
• scaramouch
• gagger
• jokester
• second banana
• funnyman
• gagster
• merry-andrew

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of harlequin

Common Pests and Diseases Broccoli plants can be damaged by common insect pests, like caterpillars, aphids, flea beetles, and harlequin bugs, says Minter. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026

For brassicas, watch for cabbage worms, flea beetles, and harlequin bugs. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026

Man Ray painted a harlequin with a candlelit lantern for a head in 1939, taking direct inspiration from Schiaparelli’s Harlequin coat from her Modern Comedy collection, launched in October 1938. — Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 15 Apr. 2026

The spill hit 1,300 miles of coastline, leading to the deaths of about 900 bald eagles, 300 seals, 1,000 harlequin ducks, 2,800 sea otters and 250,000 seabirds, according to the conservation group Oceana. — Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 24 Mar. 2026