as in silly
showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment
a zany plan to drive cross-country on a motorized scooter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in clown
a comically dressed performer (as at a circus) who entertains with playful tricks and ridiculous behavior
hired a zany to entertain the children at the birthday party
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in eccentric
a person of odd or whimsical habits
one of the challenges of hosting a radio call-in program is preventing the zanies from completely taking over the discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of zany
Brianne Tracy, People.com, 24 June 2025
In the latest Shondaland/Netflix team-up comes a zany murder mystery helmed by Paul William Davies, who serves as creator, showrunner, writer and executive producer.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 June 2025
On their own or on the rocks, this trio of surprising amari—perhaps more like the zany stepchild of amaro and vermouth—is on track to be foundational to my warm-weather drinking routine.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 June 2025
Spent is a welcome return to the bickering polyphony of Dykes to Watch Out For, with each member of the ensemble acting as a zany spokeswoman for one of Bechdel’s many conflicting views.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for zany
Adjective
One thing for certain is how much Burrell — known as much for her zany, larger-than-life personality and signature spiky, platinum blonde hair as her culinary technique — was loved both by fans and those closest to her.
—Brianne Tracy, People.com, 24 June 2025
In the latest Shondaland/Netflix team-up comes a zany murder mystery helmed by Paul William Davies, who serves as creator, showrunner, writer and executive producer.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 June 2025
On their own or on the rocks, this trio of surprising amari—perhaps more like the zany stepchild of amaro and vermouth—is on track to be foundational to my warm-weather drinking routine.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 June 2025
Spent is a welcome return to the bickering polyphony of Dykes to Watch Out For, with each member of the ensemble acting as a zany spokeswoman for one of Bechdel’s many conflicting views.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for zany
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zany
Adjective
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This perky, self-aware, sarcastic and downright silly show caters to both the more traditional Goodspeed audiences.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
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Green Lantern is earnest and bright and, yeah, incredibly silly and a little embarrassing.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
Noun
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An evil clown turned serial killer who terrorizes a fictional New York City borough during Halloween and Christmas will join a maniacal lineup of murderers, mutants and monsters during this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
10 July 2025
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White-stripe nails Circus-stripe nails Just like a striped Big Top tent, this circus set is complete with stars and clowns.—
Dominic Cadogan,
Glamour,
9 July 2025
Noun
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Ra’s decades-long adherence to this personal mythology, along with his air of serene bemusement and his extravagant robes and headdresses, led to his popular image as a colorful eccentric.—
Ekow Eshun
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
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Other characters include outcasts, visionaries and eccentrics — all of whom live on the margins as unseen — a former priest, a girl trapped in working her family’s candy stand, a woman who learned preaching from her brother and is a caretaker for her dying housemate.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 May 2025
Adjective
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The French super powerhouse has taken teams part since winning the UEFA Champions League crown on May 24, outscoring its foes by an absurd 21-1 margin.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
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From the vantage point of 2025, this appears as absurd as suggesting that women’s soccer matches should be 70 minutes instead of 90, the same as in the men’s game.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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Now, many of these larger-than-life characters, which reach up to 24 feet tall, have found a second home at the American Giants Museum, which opened in 2023 in Atlanta, Illinois (pop. 1,669), on Old Route 66.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
14 July 2025
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Actor Tom Welling played Ultraman in live-action form on a 2010 episode of Smallville, which introduced the character as Clark Luthor of Earth-Two.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Instead, the series seems determined to prove that age is just a number by forcing its leads, now including Choudhury and Parker, to act as if 50 is the new (and very stupid) 30.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
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Jurassic Park, based on the Michael Crichton best-seller, is an evolutionary joke: Man, the master of the universe, has become mere flesh, consumed by animals allegedly too stupid to survive.—
David Denby,
Vulture,
3 July 2025
Noun
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The new lodge sat on the foundation of the former and used many of the original's materials, but was scaled back in its design, removing a second story and observation tower that were part of the original, according to the National Park Service.—
Perry Vandell,
AZCentral.com,
13 July 2025
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To appreciate the essence of the 911, one really has to go back to the original.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Zany.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zany. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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