clowning

Definitions

The act of performing as a clown, typically involving physical comedy or buffoonery.

Engaging in foolish, silly, or playful behavior intended to amuse others.

Examples

He spent the entire meeting clowning around instead of focusing on the presentation.

The teacher asked the students to stop clowning and pay attention to the lesson.

Synonyms

fooling joking buffoonery pranking jesting mischief tomfoolery

Antonyms

seriousness gravity solemnity earnestness professionalism sobriety decorum