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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
Last year, Carr pressured the Walt Disney Company to cancel Jimmy Kimmel’s show after the comic joked about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026 The legendary comic’s last credit was the CBS series The Royal Family, which Murphy created and which reunited Foxx with his Harlem Nights costar Della Reese. Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 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
  • Not only the comedian’s helicopter mom Isabel Cancela — who’s a big part of his act — will be happy about this.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • With 76,212 tickets sold for his July 17 show at Lincoln Financial Field, the stadium home of the Philadelphia Eagles, Gillis has broken the Guinness World Record for most tickets sold for a comedy show by a solo comedian.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 17 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
  • Now these artists are exploring the relationship between humor and faith with audiences that are feeling the impact of artificial intelligence on creativity and culture.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • Moreno then took Episodes 3 and 4, bringing his flair for humor and character to the introduction of Fernanda del Carpio, a key antagonist.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • The humor — especially in terms of the comedic timing — absolutely sparkles in this production helmed by director Charles Pasternak.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • Bootycandy is a series of comedic scenes primarily following the character of Sutter, a gay Black man growing from adolescence to manhood.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • On the tour of East Asia a year ago, Liverpool had to wear the previous season’s Nike strip and delayed confirming squad numbers as the new contract with Adidas didn’t start until August 1.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Bangkok’s thirst for new rooftop cocktail bars is being slaked these days at Sanctuary, which offers a view of the glimmering Sukhumvit strip — Bangkok’s Broadway — 34 floors below.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • Following a $2 million renovation completed in 2015, the theater now hosts a diverse lineup of concerts, theatrical productions, comedy shows, and community events.
    Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
  • So far, the comedy series has been unafraid to take jabs at current-day political figures.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 18 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

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Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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