laughable

adjective

laugh·able ˈla-fə-bəl

ˈlä-

Synonyms of laughable next

: of a kind to provoke laughter or sometimes derision : amusingly ridiculous

laughableness noun

laughably

ˈla-fə-blē

ˈlä-

adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for laughable

laughable, ludicrous, ridiculous, comic, comical mean provoking laughter or mirth.

laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility.

a ridiculous display of anger

comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

Examples of laughable in a Sentence

His attempt at skiing was laughable. the laughable, boisterous antics of the circus clowns

Recent Examples on the Web As for spoken dialogue in this musical, which is based on the 2001 movie directed by Baz Luhrmann and features a book by John Logan: Some remarks sound so blunt and dumbed-down as to be laughable. —

Celia Wren, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2023 Although its performance was laughable by today’s standards — A 139-horsepower, 5.0L V8 engine? —

Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 29 July 2023 Popeyes' attempt to capitalize on the trend and its bumbling misunderstanding of the concept is laughable. —

Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 9 Aug. 2023 The idea that a federal agent would attend (other than with a wig and false nose) was laughable. —

PCMAG, 4 Aug. 2023 Any report that indicates the Big Ten is deeply interested in inviting Oregon and Washington into its league, that talks have quietly proceeded between the conference and the schools, but the Big Ten doesn’t want to be seen all out in the open as predatory in relation to the Pac-12 is laughable. —

Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 Aug. 2023 Utah If quarterback Cam Rising successfully bounces back (again) from a serious knee injury, then fifth place looks laughable. —

Ndaschel, oregonlive, 19 July 2023 Because the Irish settlements were poor, the people slight and weak, the weapons laughable. —

Lawrence Jackson, Harper's Magazine, 10 July 2023 The laughable moment is followed by a psychedelic, postcoital dream sequence of the pair careening down a highway of night-blooming flowers. —

Armond White, National Review, 24 May 2023 See More

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.