zany
7 synonyms and 1 antonym for zany, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Wildly comic, eccentric, or amusingly outlandish in behavior or style.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use zany
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
zany humor
zany antics
a zany plot
zany character
Etymology
From Italian zanni, the name of a clowning stock character in old Italian comedy, itself a form of the name Giovanni (John).
Full origin of zany →Frequently asked questions
What does “zany” mean?
The word “zany” means wildly comic, eccentric, or amusingly outlandish in behavior or style. In plain terms, silly and comical in a way that's a bit over-the-top or unpredictable.
How do you pronounce “zany”?
“Zany” is pronounced ZAY-nee (/ˈzeɪni/ in IPA).
How do you use “zany” in a sentence?
Here is “zany” used in a sentence: “The film is full of zany characters and slapstick chases.”
What is another word for “zany”?
Words with a similar meaning to “zany” include wacky.
What part of speech is “zany”?
“Zany” is an adjective.
Where does the word “zany” come from?
The word “zany” comes from Italian. From Italian zanni, the name of a clowning stock character in old Italian comedy, itself a form of the name Giovanni (John).
