comic 1 of 2

comic

2 of 2

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
Paul Ben-Victor (Nobody Wants This) is set for a key recurring role opposite Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in HBO’s upcoming drama series Lanterns, based on the Green Lantern DC comic. Denise Petski, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2025 Who's an Italian comic from Italy, one of my best friends. Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Elsewhere, several elaborate comic setpieces feel strained and overworked, throwing ever more secondary figures and complications on screen to make up for a lack of underlying urgency and momentum. Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 May 2025 Six actors bring to life dozens of eccentric characters and clever suspects in this diabolically funny comic mystery, according to a news release. Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • In the lead-up, fellow comedians — including Aubrey Plaza, Nikki Glaser, Tiffany Haddish and more — posed with Rivers' ashes.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • The film, from British ventriloquist and comedian Nina Conti, will debut in New York City in theaters on June 6 with an L.A. premiere following a week later (June 13).
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Director Dean Fleischer Camp’s family adventure feels like an excessively earnest Disney Channel movie compared with the delightfully unhinged 2002 cartoon.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 May 2025
  • A couple of clicks on a laptop later, and an artificial intelligence tool synced Mr. Peck’s voice with a cartoon pirate’s mouth movements.
    Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • The movie got rave reviews at Sundance for its dark humor, poignancy, and the confidence of its debut filmmaker; Victor is certainly one to watch.
    Ben Rosenstock, Time, 16 May 2025
  • There are some clever bits of humor thoughout th emovie, especially involving all the shenanigans of the French, but the Dane’s story ends on a decidedly dark note.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The darkly comedic production kicks off Sept. 15 and runs through Nov. 8.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • But when a threat appears from which Murderbot has to save his idiot clients, the danger feels real, and the action is staged well, in a way that’s both exciting and also lightly comedic, since Murderbot is a nearly obsolete model that’s often overmatched by its robot or alien opponents.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The strip gained rapid popularity in the 1990s for its humorous take on workplace culture, bureaucracy, and managerial incompetence, resonating particularly with tech and engineering professionals.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • The road south from Khartoum was a black tarmac strip through flat scrubland.
    Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • It is meant to be instructional, philosophical, informative, uplifting, and sometimes humorous.
    Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Galloway provides a perspective that’s at turns humorous and moving, giving new grads solid advice while entertaining them as well.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Star Toomey Age: 28 Hometown: Monrovia, Liberia Current residence: Augusta, Ga. Occupation: Sales expert Three words to describe you: Hilarious, smooth, laugh-out-loud funny.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2025
  • The Ukrainians have knocked out at least two BTR-D funnies since November.
    David Axe, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Saturday brought the close of the comedy sketch show’s 50th season.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 18 May 2025
  • So, as much as some critics may still want to shade the show, SNL remains one of the most powerful brands in comedy.
    Eric Deggans, NPR, 18 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on comic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!