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Definition of comicnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective comic differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comic are comical, laughable, ludicrous, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When can comical be used instead of comic?

The words comical and comic can be used in similar contexts, but comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When is it sensible to use laughable instead of comic?

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

laughable attempts at skating

When could ludicrous be used to replace comic?

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

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When might ridiculous be a better fit than comic?

While in some cases nearly identical to comic, ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility.

a ridiculous display of anger

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 comic
Noun
Why not invite a comic to join the family for your last 34 days of freedom, prior to starting a 135-month prison sentence for investor fraud and conspiracy? — Diane Brady, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026 Super low ceilings that actually get lower closer to the comic. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Gosling is in every scene of the 156-minute movie, and he’s called upon to play every note on the tonal scale in a performance that utilizes his razor-sharp comic timing before moving into emotionally devastating registers. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026 Oliver hosted with his charming, self-deprecating schtick, joined by comic actress and podcaster Mary Beth Barone, Indian American comic and New York Times bestselling author Zarna Garg, Josh Johnson and Roy Wood Jr. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • The comedian’s become a regular on TikTok and Instagram scrolls for her character work — particularly impressions of her Italian father and German mother, the latter always in a black turtleneck, hair pulled back, glasses inexplicably atop her head.
    — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
  • For years, posting clips online has been integral to comedians’ process of building an audience and selling tickets to their live shows.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There’s a dazzling variety available, from madeleine pans to cartoon character pans to massive stacks of wedding cake pans, both round and square.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The character creator is impressive, too, with a huge number of unlockable outfits and accessories, as well as classic alien races from the movies and cartoons.
    — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The event, known for its blend of philanthropy, politics and humor, also featured comedian Jim Gaffigan, who poked fun at the influential crowd gathered in the ballroom.
    — Dick Brennan, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Cora Frazier has contributed humor writing to The New Yorker since 2012.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Drexler’s comedic sensibility was shaped, early on, by the vaudeville acts that performed in movie theatres in between screenings.
    — Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Their ascent on YouTube included a 2025 comedic boxing match between Andrijasevic and Al-Emad, titled Hamzah vs Martin and held in Toronto over three rounds.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Writing strips out the reactive tone that damages trust and forces people to engage with the actual argument instead of the way it was said.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Both naloxone and fentanyl test strips decrease the risk of fatal overdose.
    — Joshua Barocas, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Okay, so Holmes and Evans are definitively not classic-comedy fans.
    — Emma Specter, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Japanese creator Issei, whose dialogue-free comedy has drawn audiences worldwide, has upward of 75 million YouTube subscribers.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Absurd and darkly humorous drama, offering an unconventional take on aging, loneliness and human dignity.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The production design is excellent, the humorous details of Vision’s metaphorical manse and the externalization of computer processes clever.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Another thing Rylo’s got going for him is his penchant for being laugh-out-loud funny.
    — Drew Millard, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
  • Lowbrow sources such as Sunday funnies, B movies, and advertisements are present but are more diffuse, rarely coalescing into obvious quotation.
    — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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