Clownery refers to the behavior of a clown, which is often characterized by silliness, playfulness, and absurdity. However, there are several synonyms for this word that are useful in certain contexts. For example, buffoonery refers to behavior that is mocking or ridiculous, while tomfoolery is similar to clownery in that it involves playing around and being silly. Foolery suggests acting foolishly or making a fool of oneself, while jesterism can refer to either the behavior of a jester or to witty or playful behavior in general. Ultimately, the choice of synonym will depend on the specific context and tone desired.