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comic

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adjective

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
Other prizes include an Airbnb gift card, virtual reality gaming bundles or lessons to become a DJ, musician, stand-up comic or a graffiti artist. Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 The comic, who had appeared on the show for three seasons, posted a series of photos on Instagram with the news. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Becca Myers gives the most broadly comic performance in the show as Bell and Bowen’s funny friend Susan who has given up on theater (in real life writer/actress Susan Blackwell). Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025 The setpiece is brutally gruesome, darkly comic, and viscerally ambitious. Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • Stand-up comedian Ken Flores died in January at the age of 28 as a result of cocaine toxicity.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
  • All were gathered for comedian and actor Mike Epps' second annual free community concert at Washington Park — an event focused on supporting the positive impacts of art and culture on mental health and well-being, especially in the Black community.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Barely any other media in recent times has given me an instant shock of glee or revulsion like this absurd anarcho-cartoon being stretched and squeezed to its most grotesque and wholesome clickbait limits.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Everything from news about a deadly stampede to cartoons that lampoon Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been the subject of removal orders.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There are scenes of strange, often violent pathos that punctuate the potty humor and punch-throwing.
    Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Ken is a more marginal figure by design, though his British cringe humor never stops feeling somewhat at odds with the show’s small-city, Midwest setting.
    Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The comedic murder-mystery series following three unlikely neighbors — Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez) — who bond over their obsession with true crime podcasts.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Cranston also received three nominations for his comedic work on Malcolm in the Middle, landing nods for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2002, 2003, and 2006.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell Philips Hue showed off its first video doorbell at IFA alongside a number of other smart home products, including a new Hue bridge and strip lights.
    Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The rookie left tackle looked fine through the first three quarters, but he was flagged twice for false starts and allowed a strip sack.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • TikTok users flooded the comments with emotional and humorous reactions.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • One humorous video created by comedian Jon Lajoie depicts Jesus sparring with the Easter Bunny in a podcast.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But while the ads are laugh-out-loud funny, the product is anything but a joking matter.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2025
  • BoJack was funny, in a dark way, but rarely laugh-out-loud funny.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This 2023 crime comedy also stars Poorna Jagannathan, Richard Kind, Lil Rel Howery and more.
    Emy LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The 2008 comedy became one of Rogen's most beloved features and has since been talked about for years regarding a sequel.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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