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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
Dujardin and Dana have fine chemistry, but Dujardin’s best chemistry is with Ficarra, an Italian comic with exaggerated features and a love for the zanier aspects of the story. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026 Chun serves as showrunner for the series based on the comic, written by Matt Fraction and illustrated by Chip Zdarsky, which was originally published in 2013. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 June 2026
Adjective
Captain and stalwart Tim Ream was directly responsible for the first three Belgium goals, to comic proportions on the third. Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026 His sharp comic timing and affecting vulnerability landed with voters. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • In a TikTok video shared on Monday, June 30, the comedian and podcast host, 34, spoke about getting Dysport, an injectable neurotoxin, in her masseter muscles as a TMJ treatment.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • Dozens of people gathered at the courthouse in solidarity with the comedian on Friday, chanting anti‑government slogans, according to the opposition‑leaning newspaper Cumhuriyet.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • What started as a cartoon joke has grown into a full social media movement, especially among Gen Z creators looking for a reason to break out the fake cobwebs early.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026
  • He is known for larger-than-life sculptures and hard-edge paintings that feature his hybrid cartoon characters.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • And yet for God’s sake, just look at the man—at his dispiriting attempts at humor, his weirdly off-putting outfits, his incessant posting of banalities and faux profundities and extreme-right disinformation on social media.
    Mark O’Connell, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
  • But what keeps this show on my perpetual rewatch list is its humor, heart and endless humanity.
    Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Ray had a somewhat comedic moment in the bottom of the first, taking a spill after tagging first base when recording a 3-1 putout.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 5 July 2026
  • Sandler's participation in the newlyweds' wedding ceremony comes nearly a year after the comedic actor co-starred in Happy Gilmore 2 with Kelce, who had a cameo in the sequel film.
    Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The handle comes with one original Athena Club cartridge, which has a skin guard to prevent nicks and a hyaluronic acid serum strip.
    Sara Coughlin, Allure, 5 July 2026
  • The strips are piled high in plastic bins, sprawled over tables and fed underneath bobbing needles.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The apocalyptic horror comedy Zombieland (2009) was a box office hit.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2026
  • The ceremony was officiated by friend of the couple Adam Sandler, whom Travis Kelce starred alongside in the 2025 comedy Happy Gilmore 2.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • His after-game interviews were always intelligent and sometimes humorous.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • The original intent was to show female athletes standing strong against unsportsmanlike conduct in a humorous way … nothing more.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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