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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
Midge’s story unfurled in 8-page increments in Naughty Bits, a periodical comic from Fantagraphics anthologizing Gregory’s work, which ran 40 issues from 1991-2004. Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Kountry Wayne, the Southern comic who landed major streaming releases for his first two specials, has an unusual origin story. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Marty Nadler, a comic and TV writer-producer who worked with Garry Marshall on the smash sitcoms Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley and many of his movies, died August 26 in Margate, FL. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 And the trailers for Clayface look creepy and like the right kind of mix between body horror and supervillain storytelling, generating good buzz among comic fans and horror stans. Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • While chatting about his new horror-comedy, Buddy, the 55-year-old actor-comedian also shared his first remarks about the upcoming sequel to the 1997 cult classic starring Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Seething at his dad for poking at his body insecurities, the comedian dealt with his emotions like any good millennial — by podcasting about it.
    Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The story is breezy, but punctuated by shockingly good performances and that whimsical Saturday morning cartoon feel.
    George Yang, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Multiple movies, spin-off TV shows and children's books have also been created based on the cartoon.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Director Margaret Shigeko Starbuck leans into makeshift theatricality — flashlights, pool noodles, pocket umbrellas — while a nimble ensemble balances meta-theatrical humor with genuine feeling for Pericles and his beleaguered family.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Throughout the financial troubles that the couple face given Fyodor’s inability to deliver pages, Szumowska and Englert feature scatological humor that further dissolves any notions of elegance associated with 19th-century Europe.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Mystery Men Throw it back to the Y2K era with this 1999 comedy starring a plethora of the era’s brightest comedic talents, including Ben Stiller, Kel Mitchell, Janeane Garofolo, and Paul Reubens.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The one comedic element Blair didn’t want to stick his neck out for?
    William Earl, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Blakespear said the definition was broad enough to encompass a wide range of heavy industrial uses, including chemical, plastics and pesticide manufacturing and strip mining.
    Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Seattle’s protection had its hands full with Woods, and Thomas screamed around a double-team to force a strip-sack.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Eisenberg’s playful comedy, which just premiered at the Telluride Film Festival, is sometimes a musical and occasionally a thriller.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
  • When Fyodor drags himself on the floor, begging for forgiveness or a bit more money to play roulette, the gesture straddles the line between humor and intense discomfort — veering into cringe comedy.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Their escapade leads not only to the creation of their island paradise, Moonrise Kingdom, but a humorous wild goose chase between Suzy’s parents, Sam’s Scout troop, and the island police chief.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
  • When asked whether his dog has a favorite Bush song, Rossdale laughs before providing a humorous answer.
    Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 27 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 6 Sep. 2026.

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