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
Daryl wasn't a character in Robert Kirkman's original comic and was specifically created for the Walking Dead show. Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 18 June 2026 And then come back and double check it against the comic. Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 18 June 2026
Adjective
In the 1990 live-action comic-book film, Madonna played '50s-era nightclub siren Breathless Mahoney. Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 But to take those experiences and explode them into comic rapture? Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • On Sunday, June 28, comedian and internet personality Druski will host the 2026 BET Awards from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
    Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 28 June 2026
  • Adding Cloris Leachman, Teri Garr, Peter Boyle, and Marty Feldman to his stable of comedians, Brooks stayed mostly behind the scenes in this one with only uncredited cameos.
    Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • To this day, his 2019 Aladdin movie still ranks as one of the most rip-roaring live action adaptations of a Disney cartoon while his take on Sherlock Holmes was more of a bare-knuckle bruiser than a debonair detective.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Yes, the popular Japanese trading card game (cartoons, movies and video franchise) that has made anime characters like Pikachu, Charizard and Geninja nearly as famous as Depay or Lionel Messi.
    Eric Adler June 30, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Things seem to be going well; Lord Walder accepts Robb’s apology with cantankerous humor, and offers the Starks his full hospitality for the duration of the wedding.
    EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026
  • Framed as a feel-good drama with heart and humor, the series pairs a distinctly offbeat legal premise with a heavyweight creative package led by Weaving.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • The aliens will be voiced by British comedic actors Rob Brydon, Diane Morgan and Jamie Demetriou.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026
  • His specific visual language — off-kilter, comedic, collaborative — scored him legions of fans.
    Maria Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • After completing his four-year stretch, Clayton-Thomas in 1962 began frequenting the music scene on the Yonge Street strip, when Arkansas rockabilly great Ronnie Hawkins gave him his first paying job in music.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
  • Looking Back To Move Forward Leight started Archives in 2010 on Abbott Kinney Boulevard, a trendy mile-long strip in Venice Beach, California.
    Sharon Edelson, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The two first crossed paths on André's Adult Swim late-night talk show comedy series The Eric André Show in 2020.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
  • In the latest installment of the comedy franchise, written by Chris Hazzard and Mike Fontana, Nick faces his biggest challenge yet… grandkids.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly joined Lacoste ambassador and actor Pierre Niney for the humorous promotional film, produced by Niney’s production company.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
  • As the search continued, humorous posts imagining where Gracie might show up next spread across social media.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 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 2 Jul. 2026.

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