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
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Recent Examples of harlequin
One middle finger featured a 3D harlequin face atop a red and gold base.
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Kara Nesvig, Allure, 18 Sep. 2025
Is this serious commitment to the harlequin colors a hint at something else, like a Rare Beauty drop or a new musical era?
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
Learn more about management options and which food plants are most susceptible to this insect in our harlequin bug on vegetables web page.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2025
Once infused with the diabolical spirit, the guide is transformed into a buffoon, complete with a harlequin outfit—a mad joker and a dancing fool who does a little jig to the sound of a jazz trio.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for harlequin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harlequin
clown
Noun
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Brewer depicts the world of music impersonators with a fair amount of affection, like the rodeo clowns of late 20th-century America.—
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Cirque du Soleil is known for its shows featuring acrobats, athletes and clowns – all doing spectacular feats.—
Cite this Entry
“Harlequin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harlequin. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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