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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
As of press time, the comic is scheduled to perform Monday night at that venue. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2026 Now, half a century later and more than 20 years after the star’s death in 2003, Z2 Comics is working with Cash’s estate to re-release the comic. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Once upon a time, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was in Paramount’s hands, having a distribution deal with the comic-book label and launching the megaverse with Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and Iron Man 2. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026 The only downside is that he’s seen as a purely comic figure by some in the industry. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • Dennis and Rosa encounter all sorts of people, from feuding Take That tribute bands to Irish bachelorettes, comedians and bingo enthusiasts.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Besides Carlile and Martin, comedian/actor Martin Short is also featured on a song, as well as artists Joy Oladokun, Amythyst Kiah, and the first UK professional trans choir Trans Voices.
    — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Conceived as a relentless bully of Arnold, Helga was one of the richer, more complex characters to come out of a kids’ cartoon in its or any era.
    — Darryn King, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Like the squeezy dumpling, this one has a blushing cartoon face and accompanying tan steamer basket.
    — Eva Flowe October 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Comedy can be harder to export, Barrois notes, given its reliance on local humor.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The end result is a sharp, unapologetic art-house novel full of gravitas, humor and heartbreaking revelations about the Black American experience and the thousand and one ways our nation can shatter Black souls.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Directed by Shen Chunyang and written by Ma Duo, the satirical family feature stars real-life comedic couple Shen Chunyang and Xiao Shenyang alongside Jia Bing and Yu Yang.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Artificial is pointedly funnier than his other work, including a large comedic performance by Ike Barinholtz as Musk, even as an existential dread permeates.
    — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Drugmakers are now racing to deliver the same medicines without a syringe in the form of a strip.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The launch shows that Innovera can be cut into thin strips and woven without immediately losing its structure.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The one-day event will screen 12 shorts from seven countries, with documentaries, dramas, comedies, animation and experimental pieces in the mix.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Because in the 1950s and 1960s, Prince Charles used to listen to a radio show each week called 'The Goon Show,' which was a comedy show where Fred and Gladys were called.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Silvestri used a large orchestra to create a score that played the heist completely straight, despite its humorous premise.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Pledging love and respecting someone or a relationship can make people feel so uncomfortable that leaning into these tropes of life can feel humorous, and that’s where the laughs from a Hallmark film come from.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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