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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective laughable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of laughable are comical, comic, ludicrous, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When might comic be a better fit than laughable?

The synonyms comic and laughable are sometimes interchangeable, but comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When could comical be used to replace laughable?

The words comical and laughable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

Where would ludicrous be a reasonable alternative to laughable?

In some situations, the words ludicrous and laughable are roughly equivalent. However, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When would ridiculous be a good substitute for laughable?

The meanings of ridiculous and laughable largely overlap; however, ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility.

a ridiculous display of anger

Examples of laughable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the past, that concept ranged from challenging to laughable. Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2024 Our initial two-year plan is laughable with the wisdom of hindsight. Steven Rhines, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 Their emotional triggers change, and a treatise that once would have induced them to attack their neighbors will, a month or a year later, seem laughable. Daniel Immerwahr, The Atlantic, 6 Sep. 2024 Recollect how the narcissist in chief spent his early days in the White House defending the laughable claim that his inauguration had outdrawn Obama’s. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for laughable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'laughable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near laughable

Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

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