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comic

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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
The comic has long used her platform to speak out against antisemitism — and make sure her voice is heard. Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025 Perplexity’s comic confusingly features a futuristic city being destroyed by a book with tentacles controlled by a god in a 1990s simulation. PC Magazine, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
The following year, the comedian was critically injured in a car accident when a Walmart truck struck his limousine, killing his friend and fellow comic James McNair. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025 Things took a comic turn as the Unitree G1 slipped while walking over food bits. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • The episode will mark the comedian's first time hosting, as well as the singer's first time performing.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Since then, additional women have come forward with accusations against the comedian.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • One of her eyes closes slightly, turning her into a cartoon of shock and dismay.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Slipping into the character’s geometric purple dress and rocking her stylish red hair, Ripa brought the beloved cartoon character from The Jetsons to life in a playful, retro-futuristic look.
    Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His keen playful writing combines magical realism, genre-busting humor, literary zip—and there are few people better suited to adapting Wilder than Ethan Lipton.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • With Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby leading the way, the sci-fi/disaster flick is full of humor, heart and high stakes, plus Julia Garner's Silver Surfer is a joy to behold riding all those good vibes.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s been 48 years since Three’s Company brought together three zany roommates — who weren’t supposed to be living together, according to the landlord’s rules — who charmed the world with their comedic antics.
    Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Ingmar Bergman’s early-fifties soap commercials put daring methods—metafiction, animation, and even a 3-D parody—to comedic ends.
    Hilton Als, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Winter showcases the exfoliating bark, which peels away to reveal strips of gray, orange, and brick red.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
  • About 30 or so customers occupied the wooden stools of the old-school, salty hangout in an industrial strip a few miles from downtown Louisville.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • There can be humorous, self-deprecating responses.
    Rob Tanner, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
  • While on the podcast, Kiyoko also offered humorous insight into her summer proposal to fiancé Tilley, 37, in Mallorca after seven years of dating.
    Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Spoiler alert: Her answers are, characteristically, laugh-out-loud funny.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Vice President Vance, who called the video funny, said sombrero memes would end if Jeffries ends the shutdown.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Fans of her comedy applauded Glaser for not being afraid of going to some dark places, as others objected to the edgy material.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
  • With so many comedy writers on the bill, the Broder tribute was no somber affair.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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