comic 1 of 2

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
For more insights on the science of compliments, read our comic. Malaka Gharib, NPR, 18 July 2026 The withdrawal is concerning for Oseman, who has faced increasing censorship efforts around her comic since the show’s release. Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026
Adjective
And while that may sound like little more than a comic blunder, these slips offer one of the clearest windows into how language is assembled in the mind. Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 14 July 2026 Telemachus is also played by an actor renowned for their work in comic-book movies. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • Atsuko Okatsuka made history as only the second Asian-American female comedian to have an HBO comedy special in 2022, long after Margaret Cho‘s landmark HBO appearance in 1994.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
  • Similarly, Davidson has reinvented his own Hollywood image, going from comedian to movie star, appearing in films like Bodies Bodies Bodies, The Dirt,and The King of Staten Island.
    Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • In recent years, the typical Shears song has cloaked descriptions of paranormal encounters in hardcore distortion and cartoon sound effects, fleshing out the twins’ strange world while hinting at weirder mysteries beneath the surface.
    Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 22 July 2026
  • Someone could choose a cartoon, a favorite color or a less noticeable design.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Sisyphus’s Worst Day Ever is a 3D puzzle game that challenges players to engineer elaborate contraptions to keep Sisyphus trapped in an endless cycle, blending dark humor, inventive puzzle design, and a playful twist on an age-old tale.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 July 2026
  • Formed in 1985 in response to rampant sexism in the art world, the Guerrilla Girls sought to revitalize feminism through the use of humor, protest, street art, and visually engaging graphics.
    News Desk, Artforum, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • These two otherwise unrelated arcs create a fun comedic synergy that helps each one shine that much brighter (even when serving up jokes about areas where the sun doesn’t shine).
    Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026
  • Asked whether his first dates — sorry, podcast editions — should ideally end with a kiss of sorts gets Glassman to his stand-up act, where talk of dating etiquette and rules fill his comedic quiver.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • The narrow strip of water off Iran’s coast is the route through which a fifth of the world’s oil typically leaves the Persian Gulf and heads to customers worldwide, and the conflict has largely halted shipping traffic.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
  • With a bar in front, a hallway-like dining strip, and a cozy back room, the space feels more harmonious with Somssi’s easygoing à-la-carte offerings.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • Even the president’s jokes about his bad jokes fell flat, and he was widely ridiculed for the comedy routine afterward.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The Hawk, the Will Ferrell golf comedy, only got a couple of days on top of Netflix’s top 10 list.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • This American Life, the legendary weekly podcast featuring compelling, humorous, and deeply human stories about everyday life, is still going strong.
    Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • And a podcast called Greeking Out from NatGeo offers a humorous spin on ancient Greek myths for kids and even includes fun historical tidbits.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 27 Jul. 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