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
For example, a comic printed during World War II only had a single staple because of metal shortages, Caffrey said. Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026 Also, as the birthplace of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the museum features a gallery of artwork from the famous comic's local creators. Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Adjective
Here, Elliott Gould brings a deft touch to his hang-dog detective Philip Marlowe, moving with a lightness that's hard to pin down but is undeniably comic. Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026 The other was the first issue of another Transformers comic that originally had a blank cover. Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • The comedian was seen passing out pizza slices like flyers for a bringer show.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 14 June 2026
  • English footballer Rio Ferdinand and American comedian Ian Karmel serve as cohosts on the show, which will broadcast new episodes several nights per week.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Decorations cover the problems For weeks, Mexico City workers have plastered walls and metro cars with cartoon axolotls, the mole salamander that has become a city mascot.
    Megan Janetsky, Fortune, 11 June 2026
  • The official logline describes the show as modern reimagining of the beloved cartoon.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Harrison still evokes painterly fugues of light and pungent smells, but they’re offset by a growing bleakness, and there’s less humor.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • Your adaptable nature turns small moments into quick bridges, while gentle humor lightens heavier topics so plans move forward together.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Oreo challenge is one of the episode’s comedic high points.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
  • The production is a deeply personal look at her life and career, inspired by her beloved grandmother, Freddie Mae Glover, and her lifelong dream of becoming a comedic performer like her idol, Carol Burnett.
    Staff Author, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • The top is coral marble, with a long strip of Italian walnut veneer down the middle, and the base is crafted from fine beechwood, carved with geometric patterns.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • Midway Plaisance is much more than a long strip of lawn on Chicago's South Side where, at the east end, the Obama Presidential Center now sits.
    Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The first task starts sedately, with Rekha Shankar, Siobhan, and Lily trying to find the Dropout-style antic comedy in a mundane laundry-day chore.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
  • In 2024, Rauch and Nayyar reunited on-screen during his season 2 guest appearance on the comedy.
    Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • One of those characters is the quick-witted, smart and humorous younger sister of Lucas Sinclair, Erica Sinclair, portrayed by emerging actress Priah Ferguson.
    Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 7 Dec. 2025
  • The humorous exchange sets up one of the episode’s most candid moments, as McCartney’s mock outrage melts into something unexpectedly sincere.
    Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
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 17 Jun. 2026.

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