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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of zany
Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2025
Through 150 years, the race has produced some zany antics, memorable moments and some devastating losses.
—Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2025
The first two episodes of this zany travel series is out now on Max (New Zealand and Spain) with more each week.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
This Puerto Rican singer, cancer survivor, and activist from Texas has the heart of a champion and a zany charm that’ll tickle your funny bone.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zany
Adjective
Chapman Freeborn, a global aircraft charter specialist and aviation support company, is offering travelers the chance to do something zany: go on a trip without knowing the destination first.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2025
Through 150 years, the race has produced some zany antics, memorable moments and some devastating losses.
—Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2025
The first two episodes of this zany travel series is out now on Max (New Zealand and Spain) with more each week.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
This Puerto Rican singer, cancer survivor, and activist from Texas has the heart of a champion and a zany charm that’ll tickle your funny bone.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zany
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zany
Adjective
-
If a couple players on the Dodgers can make a silly comment, so can the owner of the Yankees.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
-
The idea of telling someone that a specific whiskey glass is the absolute best is silly, like trying to dictate the design of their wedding ring for them.—
Tom Mylan,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Elves, insectoids, reptilians, aliens, gods, and clowns are all common.—
Andy Greenberg,
Wired News,
22 May 2025
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Fans can also look forward to performances by the iconic Silver Spurs Quadrille, the adorable antics of kids competing in Mutton Bustin’, and plenty of laughs courtesy of the ever-entertaining rodeo clowns.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 May 2025
Noun
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To take her mind off him, Agathe meets an Austen-like family of eccentrics running the retreat and the sometimes pretentious writers attending it.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
22 May 2025
-
But the settlers’ belief in the value of public goods and embrace of independent thinkers remain woven into the character of the city, which continues to attract artists, eccentrics and writers.—
Isabelle Taft,
New York Times,
4 May 2025
Adjective
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One thing that’s been a challenge to satirists in the last 10 years is that reality has become so absurd, with the dumbest possible things happening every day, that there doesn’t always seem to be another level for satire to go to.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2025
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Read it because existence is absurd, and laughter might be the most intelligent response available.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 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
-
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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For one final time, there is cause to raise a glass to a character who, for better and worse, is the club’s player of the season.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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The property that was used as her character Anna Coleman's home in the original movie sadly burned down during the natural disaster.—
Natalia Senanayake,
People.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Camp, stupid, joyful—to both own and access—Labubu has taken over.—
Lara Johnson-Wheeler,
Vogue,
31 May 2025
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This is just stupid how successful this is, but that’s really underselling it.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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To write off the Israeli leader would be foolish, especially with new elections not required until late 2026.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
22 May 2025
-
His writing is so human—his people are foolish in such human ways.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Zany.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zany. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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