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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
The new edition expands that history with a new interview and recollections from John Carter Cash, along with a historical examination of how the original comic came together by comics writer and journalist Alex Segura. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 8 Sep. 2026 One day, another comic appears alongside hers, drawn by Kyomoto (Rokka Okada), a reclusive student who won’t come to school due to social anxiety. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
This sounds very similar to Marvel comic series Strange Academy, but there are only so many ideas in the world, right? — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026 Stepping into the comic procedural’s bright and breezy Fort Lauderdale setting felt especially welcome on Tuesday following DWTS’ brutal elimination. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • But while many comedians go on to have wildly lucrative careers, that doesn’t seem to be Earthquake’s priority — making people laugh is.
    — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Anyone with a console can watch it, which enticed the comedian.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Perhaps like one’s heart crisply split in two, spilling its squelched juices, like the baobab fruit broken open by the stylish monkey in The Lion King, my favorite vintage cartoon.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Related Stories Cruise, declaiming every line, acting with blind bluster and a mean gleam of good-ol’-boy joy, makes Digger a walking cartoon — a larger-than-life satire of over-the-top American arrogance, like LBJ crossed with Foghorn Leghorn.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Fresh Air critic John Powers describes it as a unique blend of creepiness, sarcastic humor and political anger, unlike anything else on TV.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Inextricable to Long’s art, though, is a self-awareness and acerbic wit that elevates the narrative and reminds us that humor is integral to survival, too.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • On Saturday’s Season 52 premiere, the NBA Finals 2026 MVP showed off some comedic chops in an otherwise business-as-usual episode of the NBC sketch comedy show, which featured Katseye as its musical guest.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Even so, the show ducked and dived the long arm of the network fuddy-duddies beautifully, skirting the edge of censorship with a knowing wink, clever pun, and out-of-this-world comedic timing.
    — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That’s more than enough to grace a 35mm strip of celluloid and a soundtrack.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The new project joins others along the strip that may eventually form a megalopolis in the coming decades.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The best way to get plugged in is by seeing a show in the Aurora Theatre, where the town’s resident theater company puts on everything from Broadway-style musicals to intimate dramas and comedies.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Fox News personality Kat Timpf unveiled a secret to fans at her comedy show over the weekend.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Pledging love and respecting someone or a relationship can make people feel so uncomfortable that leaning into these tropes of life can feel humorous, and that’s where the laughs from a Hallmark film come from.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • What readers are saying The conversation explores a humorous and critical response to an article about making the perfect cup of coffee.
    — Tim Carman, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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