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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
Sources say Rich’s script was more broadly comic than Guadagnino’s darkly funny final film. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026 Apthrop, an important character, is Waugh’s greatest comic creation. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 5 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
  • Now their lives are a haunted, claustrophobic cartoon, and Golyak revels in its theatrical opportunities.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The candle smells of cereal, milk and lemon and is intended to recall the days of watching Saturday morning cartoons and summer.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 10 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
  • Ditka holds his own among the professional actors, and had a nice touch for comedic timing.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Clips from standup specials by George Carlin, Paul Mooney, Neal Brennan and Hasan Minhaj inject much needed comedic relief about American history.
    — Beandrea July, IndieWire, 9 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
  • This week’s episode is hosted by Shane Gillis, marking his third time hosting the NBC sketch comedy series since being fired as a cast member in 2019 over resurfaced racist and homophobic remarks.
    — Anna Tingley, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Ackie didn’t only discuss horror, but also comedy during her appearance, including I Love Boosters.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike ghosts, vampires have physical form and can interact directly with humans; like ghosts, vampires live forever, allowing for a humorous juxtaposition of characters from many points in time in one unhappy household.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Different views on the topic Hilton defends the ad as a humorous, provocative way to reach Californians who are dissatisfied with the state’s direction but might not ordinarily consider voting Republican.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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