comic 1 of 2

Definition of comicnext

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
For example, a comic printed during World War II only had a single staple because of metal shortages, Caffrey said. Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026 Also, as the birthplace of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the museum features a gallery of artwork from the famous comic's local creators. Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Adjective
Here, Elliott Gould brings a deft touch to his hang-dog detective Philip Marlowe, moving with a lightness that's hard to pin down but is undeniably comic. Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026 The other was the first issue of another Transformers comic that originally had a blank cover. Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • The comedian was seen passing out pizza slices like flyers for a bringer show.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 14 June 2026
  • English footballer Rio Ferdinand and American comedian Ian Karmel serve as cohosts on the show, which will broadcast new episodes several nights per week.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Michelle has also faced ongoing comments on her appearance ‒ a 2011 cartoon depicted her as overweight and bingeing on hamburgers and more recently, she has been accused of taking Ozempic to lose weight.
    Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 15 June 2026
  • There were cartoons while dressing children, evening news while cooking dinner, and, before bed, families watched mutely as onscreen families laughed and talked.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Blending live action and animation, the digital shorts pair Pratt’s curiosity and humor with Goodwin’s historical expertise and fact-checking to highlight America’s founding ideals.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 18 June 2026
  • Sacred stories full of courage and humor and grace, and that each of those stories in some way connected to my own.
    Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Oreo challenge is one of the episode’s comedic high points.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
  • The production is a deeply personal look at her life and career, inspired by her beloved grandmother, Freddie Mae Glover, and her lifelong dream of becoming a comedic performer like her idol, Carol Burnett.
    Staff Author, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • The county has expanded the number of monthly buprenorphine injections and daily Suboxone strips dispensed to patients in custody in recent years, but routine budget restrictions continue to precipitate delays in treatment, according to Correctional Health Services.
    Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Officers attempted to use spike strips to end the pursuit before asking for permission to use a PIT maneuver.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Demi gets in some sharp one-liners and fun physical-comedy bits throughout the rest of the episode.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
  • In 2024, Rauch and Nayyar reunited on-screen during his season 2 guest appearance on the comedy.
    Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • The title is a humorous, literal reference to the late father’s large piece of bone left after cremation.
    Jenny S. Li, Variety, 12 June 2026
  • Their viral, humorous videos about his adventures in life and their father-daughter moments are followed by more than 3 million people.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The show is laugh-out-loud funny.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 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 19 Jun. 2026.

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