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comic

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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
As a touring comic, Brennan has opened for Nikki Glaser, Taylor Tomlinson, and the late Louie Anderson. Jillian Sederholm, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2025 Revelli dances as the comic's classic piano theme, written by Vince Guaraldi, plays. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
The twisted filmography of Yorgos Lanthimos has by now trained us to expect darkly comic visions of contemporary life, both savage and mundane. Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 Oct. 2025 The darkly comic thriller from writer-director Mary Bronstein premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and won Byrne a Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the Berlin International Film Festival. Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • The comedian, who performed on the sketch show from 2008 until 2017, offered his two cents on the recent cast shakeup during an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The experience of working alongside his parents helped shape Ben as an actor and comedian.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In it, a cartoon version of herself smiles and waves in front of her colorful shop along 39th.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
  • But a birthday is a tricky plot device for a cartoon character who has been a middle schooler for 18 years.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The jury also appreciated the thematically appropriate disregard for linear time used in the movie and found hope and joy in watching these characters seek humor and hold tight to each other in the face of a difficult disease.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Rather than shy away from the association, the company decided to respond to the incident with humor.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Miles himself has gotten increasingly popular in the the last few years for his comedic approach to rap.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Misconstrued by many as something akin to an extended Henny Youngman routine, Portnoy’s Complaint more closely resembled, according to Albert Goldman, the comedic world of adolescent Roth and his buddies, with its audacity, ferocity, originality, and sheer fecundity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Buzz is also standard with 30 colors of ambient LED lighting and a strip below the windshield.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Tortilla chips or strips would be nice too for some crunch.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Gijsje Ribbens, the founder and creative director of RiRa, agrees that this style is all about a return to organic forms and construction, all with a humorous bent.
    Emily Johnson, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The humorous update, which prompted a flood of amused comments from viewers, offers a relatable look at the challenges many dog owners face when training their pets to be alone—particularly with a clingy breed like a Bernese mountain dog.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Spoiler alert: Her answers are, characteristically, laugh-out-loud funny.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Vice President Vance, who called the video funny, said sombrero memes would end if Jeffries ends the shutdown.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Laugh Factory Chicago is crowdsourcing to assist night manager Nathan Griffin with legal funds after he was arrested Friday morning outside the comedy club.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Since the pioneering French electronic duo announced their split in 2021, Bangalter has scored several projects, including a French ballet and a comedy film inspired by Salvador Dalí.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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