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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 Because joy can look ridiculous. Junnelle Hogen, Outside, 19 Oct. 2025 Be prepared to spend ridiculous amounts of time navigating all things health care. Kat McGowan, NPR, 18 Oct. 2025 Trump filed a bogus lawsuit against the company that pivoted on the ridiculous claim that YouTube was a secret agent of the Biden administration. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 For those who tire of driving something ridiculous-looking on paved roads, good news! Sean Evans, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridiculous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridiculous
Adjective
  • This would be an absurd show of force, and totally uncalled for during a government shutdown when members of the military cannot even get a paycheck.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Knightley and Pearce coast and their characters never come alive and resort to doing silly things at this misfire’s absurd, regrettable finale.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • His writing is lavishly detailed and sharply intelligent, nuanced and lyrical but also funny and sometimes surreal.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The dudes-rock montage that followed the execution sketch had some genuinely funny bits.
    T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Duncan is a little bit higher and a little bit more innocent, Tristan’s always being a little bit silly, and then Preston’s pretty much [lowers voice] down here.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Nearly two months after losing River, Smith belly-laughed for the first time while watching her two children be silly outside in the rain.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Gijsje Ribbens, the founder and creative director of RiRa, agrees that this style is all about a return to organic forms and construction, all with a humorous bent.
    Emily Johnson, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The humorous update, which prompted a flood of amused comments from viewers, offers a relatable look at the challenges many dog owners face when training their pets to be alone—particularly with a clingy breed like a Bernese mountain dog.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And Craig Waterman, the marketing executive from the 2024 film Friendship, took Robinson into new territory with a darker and more pathetic take on the same neurotic type.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2025
  • In his brightest moments, Mike is boyishly gentle, a little wacky, and modestly proud — all in ways that Dillane manages to make feel both pathetic and delightful.
    Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Miles himself has gotten increasingly popular in the the last few years for his comedic approach to rap.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Misconstrued by many as something akin to an extended Henny Youngman routine, Portnoy’s Complaint more closely resembled, according to Albert Goldman, the comedic world of adolescent Roth and his buddies, with its audacity, ferocity, originality, and sheer fecundity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Judging by the amusing premiere episode, there is some potential to the motley crew of this government service.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The other twist is that Noelle is addicted to a podcast (performed by Adwa Alasiri) that dishes out both true crime stories and helpful makeup tips, an amusing combination of gloss and gore.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • What follows is a series of comical misadventures—navigating checkpoints, ruining a wedding, and even car theft—all in a desperate race to get the dove to a beauty pageant in Jerusalem.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Tiramisu is having a moment, and people are finding all sorts of creative, sometimes comical, ways to enjoy it.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ridiculous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridiculous. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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