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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
The Iranian-American comic has also appeared on cinema screens in Friday After Next (2002), The Interpreter (2005), and A Simple Wedding (2018), among others. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026 Rick Glassman has built a strong following with his podcast, Take Your Shoes Off, where the stand-up comic sees interviewing celebrity guests as almost the perfect first date. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
Adjective
Two of the studio’s 11 entries have been animated, embracing a comic-book visual style unlike anything else in Hollywood blockbusters. Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 This, again, would be a change from the original comic story, as Jean Grey does not have a major role in Secret Wars. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • From Mike Birbiglia as a farcical cop to a bouncer at a Greenpoint club played by Ziwe, New York comedians abound.
    Alex Jhamb Burns, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The author and comedian, who was wrongfully convicted of the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher, has responded after a petition to cancel her Edinburgh Festival Fringe show Cartwheel surpassed 10,000 signatures.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Of course, the cartoon bear had a good run in TV commercials.
    John Lauritsen, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The statement came after Roth detailed a sequence in the film to Polygon that features a cartoon that seemingly hypnotizes children, turning them into murderers.
    Corbin Bolies, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Gemini Moon moves through your 5th House of Creativity and sextiles the Leo Sun in your 7th House of Partnership, helping humor, flirtation, brainstorming, or self-expression flow more easily with someone else.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The Moon enters Gemini and your 5th House of Creativity, Romance, and Pleasure, bringing curiosity, humor, flirtation, and expressive momentum.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The series continues its winning blend of high-octane action choreography and comedic friction between elite wealth and police bureaucracy.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The actor used his newfound clout to make 2006’s Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny, a movie based on his comedic two-man rock outfit with Kyle Gass.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • But the film overflows with childlike wonder, a comic-strip dream of girls next door and nerdy weirdoes growing muscles with puberty.
    Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In February, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport switched to electronic flight strips.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Gabriel Jarret, Michelle Meyrink, Jon Gries, William Atherton and Robert Prescott also starred in the comedy.
    Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • While One Night Only is intended as a romantic-comedy, there are some obvious dystopian undertones that audiences can’t ignore.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In July, Roku made the city even more interactive with a new brand campaign that guides users to visit six themed areas featuring humorous promo spots, including a pirate ship, a volcano and a villain’s evil lair.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Black Seed writers are abrasive, wistful, humorous, and loaded with insight.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 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 9 Aug. 2026.

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