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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ridiculous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ridiculous are comical, comic, laughable, and ludicrous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility.

a ridiculous display of anger

When is comic a more appropriate choice than ridiculous?

The meanings of comic and ridiculous largely overlap; however, comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When is it sensible to use comical instead of ridiculous?

The synonyms comical and ridiculous are sometimes interchangeable, but comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When can laughable be used instead of ridiculous?

In some situations, the words laughable and ridiculous are roughly equivalent. However, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When would ludicrous be a good substitute for ridiculous?

Although the words ludicrous and ridiculous have much in common, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ridiculous Lesson learned, no more giving in to her ridiculous demands. Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025 So, what started as a steamy romance trilogy shifts into thriller territory, complete with high-speed car chases, kidnapping, and ridiculous life-or-death stakes. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025 To put one in front of the Neil Simon Theatre is ridiculous. Brent Lang, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025 This is the most ridiculous robbery ever, Mirvat thought. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridiculous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridiculous
Adjective
  • The real start of the Chalamet/Marty Supreme press tour came Tuesday night when the actor shared an incredible and absurd five-minute promo video.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
  • But these far-right personalities were pushing an absurd logical fallacy.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The novel reminds us of how funny Krasznahorkai can be.
    James Wood, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Karlsson is very likable, funny, smart and charismatic.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Count Dracula remains a fixture in the horror genre, having been featured in movies that range from scary and sexy to silly and satirical.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Anderson’s synthesis of all of these themes, motifs, and silly gags into One Battle After Another, which saw Anderson’s biggest movie opening ever last month, shows how Pynchon’s ideas have not only aged well but are more visible and relevant.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course not, but that’s the whole point of the humorous commercial.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The video serves as a humorous response and a technical showcase following the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)’s humanoid robot demonstration.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Characters can be pathetic, and frank about their Toledo Truth Teller’s bleak prospects.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Jimmy Kimmel is a pathetic hate monger.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2023, American High launched a digital comedy ecosystem, creating short-form content for social media with a batch of young comedic actors that the company can then funnel through its film production pipeline.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The comedic duo became popular in the 1960s, appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show 36 times, and in 2007 were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
    Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • If the future of the internet looks like a constant stream of amusing videos generated by artificial intelligence, then OpenAI just placed its stake in an emerging market.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The latter character ushers in a stiff but amusing Mark Cuban cameo.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His call to the Coast Guard upon sighting Humphrey resulted in a comical conversation.
    Helen Harlan, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Parton then got comical with a reference to a fake AI image being circulated of her being visited by a fellow country music superstar, supposedly in the hospital.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ridiculous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridiculous. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ridiculous

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