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
Colbert even facetimed Byron Allen during the program, the comic who is set to now get his timeslot at CBS. Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 23 May 2026 Learning about how a TV show works sparked the comic’s interest in being on the other side of the camera. Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 22 May 2026
Adjective
The beloved Filipino alt-rock band spawned a comic-book series that was featured at San Diego Comic-Con in 2024. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2026 No, the main obstacle standing in the way of repeat-NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a comic-relief WWE wrestler. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • The Original put his hands on Ojitos, and the blind comedian answered with several shots with a cain.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • Steyer's video supporting Hernandez earned praise from some liberal social media users, especially those who advocate for transgender rights, including transgender comedian Stacy Cay.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Thanks to the franchise's unique origin story, the hit '80s cartoon series was effectively a commercial for Mattel's extremely lucrative toy range.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 4 June 2026
  • Skeletor’s voice is very different from the cartoon series voice.
    Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Near the end of the play, Majok’s script becomes, like Mann’s score, flatter and broader in its messaging, losing some of its sharpness of observation, and the humor that characterizes Kaysen’s memoir fades.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2026
  • These days, living through a presidency marked by narrowness and resentment, the grace, humor, and curiosity with which Barack Obama approached the world feel impossibly distant.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • The comedic actors’ thread is just one of several Chiefs threads Riggle is on.
    Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • But besides the physical parameters, Peter Claffey and Dexter Ansell were able to capture the irreverent, comedic tone of showrunner Ira Parker’s scripts.
    Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Maps show the 900 block is five lanes wide and traverses a heavily commercial strip in north Washington, including multiple motels, stores and restaurants.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
  • The invention that Edison brought into the offices of Scientific American also used sound vibrations to make a needle vibrate—in his case, by digging grooves into a strip of tinfoil or paper that was embossed with wax.
    Ron Cowen, Scientific American, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • As Fey said in an interview pegged to season one, the truth is humorous.
    Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • Within more humorous approaches like Ikezoe’s lies a powerful if subtle proposition.
    Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 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
Noun
  • Shakespeare’s comedies especially understand the joy of watching people get trapped in schemes and plots well beyond their control.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
  • The film starts as a buddy comedy, with Niki helping out his elderly mentor, Harry, played by Dustin Hoffman, on tuning gigs.
    Jane Bua, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on comic

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster