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
The result is an epic rock opera complete with a suite of characters and an epic story that has also been turned into an album-accompanying comic created by Rich Ragsdale. Steve Spaleta, Space.com, 1 May 2026 Not every comic that does crowd work does this. Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Urban also makes much comic hay of Cage’s trademark sunglasses and his middle-finger way of adjusting them. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026 What begins as a simple mission becomes a darkly comic exploration of displacement, memory, and the meaning of home. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • In the years after Dolman’s death, the comedian acknowledged that his children navigated a tumultuous time without their mother.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • Tom Brady, who was the victim of Netflix’s last celebrity roast in 2024, made a surprise appearance at Kevin Hart’s roast Sunday to launch a few jokes at the comedian before the night got underway.
    Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • The Indianapolis Colts pointed the finger at themselves in their Simpsons’ cartoon.
    Teresa M. Walker, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
  • Other newcomers to the movie’s cartoon universe are Ike Barinholtz, Ego Nwodim, Josh Johnson, Matt Friend, Rhys Darby and Cristo Fernández.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Blending adventure, humor and emotion, the series is squarely aimed at a wide family audience, the company added.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 14 May 2026
  • This is a play that takes young people and their problems seriously, while incorporating occasional humor into the script and direction.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • But there doesn’t seem to be a limit to younger film and TV connoisseurs’ thirst for his irreverent and unapologetically gay comedic stylings.
    Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 12 May 2026
  • Louis-Dreyfus is, of course, best known for her comedic talents.
    Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Many critics of such wanton cosmic acquisitiveness balk at the idea of scarcely regulated private-sector lunar strip-mining.
    Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
  • About noon Larry gunned the Maule — heavily loaded with moose meat — to a heart-stopping takeoff from the makeshift strip.
    Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The telling is harrowing, but also humorous at times, and achieves an emotional register that had me, essentially, transfixed.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • Suspicious government officials are sent to investigate, resulting in a sequence of humorous, often laugh-out-loud encounters.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • There’s no doubt that the online backlash was swift and laugh-out-loud funny, the worst kind of insult to a man who sees himself as endowed with otherworldly powers.
    Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Deeply affectionate and laugh-out-loud funny, this delightful comedy is the directorial debut of Maude Apatow.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The high production values and frequent genre-hopping were inspired by the sketch-comedy duo Key and Peele, whom Barker grew up watching religiously.
    Alex Barasch, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • The city doubles in size and there’s nonstop music, theater, and comedy for a whole month.
    Riza Cruz, Vogue, 11 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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