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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
This comic was edited by Malaka Gharib and Beck Harlan. Navied Mahdavian, NPR, 20 Mar. 2025 And this year, Hulu is trying to spotlight one comic every month. Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
It’s evolved into an at times biting, oftentimes comic, cultural critic. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025 But Liefeld wanted to try something new for the 33rd anniversary of Youngblood, with each edition of this comic only available to buy on his website, or at a one-day only signing Wednesday at Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles. Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • The comedian spoke out while hosting a gala in tribute to Duke Ellington at New York's Jazz at the Lincoln Center on April 30 and got a laugh from Alec Baldwin and Joy Reid, who were in the audience.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • Louis-Dreyfus and her mother went to family therapy as adults When the comedian was 60 and Judith was 87, the two went to therapy together.
    Julie Tremaine, People.com, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Other kids spent Saturday mornings watching cartoons.
    Leena Tailor, HollywoodReporter, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons… MEDIA ‘ABSOLUTELY SICK’ – Parents file federal complaints after school forces 11-year-olds to take explicit health survey.
    , FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But that’s exactly how modern protest sounds in Turkey, where humor and art are some of the only ways to cope with the socio-political environment.
    Eda Uysen, Rolling Stone, 3 May 2025
  • Don't be afraid to use drama, humor and the element of surprise to tell the stories that matter most to readers.
    Caren Bohan, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the sequel to A Simple Favor, Lively returns as Emily Nelson alongside Anna Kendrick’s Stephanie Smothers in the comedic thriller, which premiered at South by Southwest on March 7.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 2 May 2025
  • In the series, Cassandra is slightly younger than her counterpart in the book, and that partly had to do with Hawes, whose dramatic and comedic abilities were crucial to the role.
    Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Convenient, comfy, and cute, these Arizona sandals have come with me all over the world, from Japan to France, and all over the Vegas strip.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Join 71 others in the comments View Comments Chicken strips were pulled from McDonald’s menus in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, in a broader revamp of its menu aimed at simplifying operations.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There were humorous moments amid the writers’ accounts of tragedy.
    Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • When the slasher eventually appears, stealing the group’s car before murdering them with a humorous bluntness, there is also a real atmosphere of dread.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Star Toomey Age: 28 Hometown: Monrovia, Liberia Current residence: Augusta, Ga. Occupation: Sales expert Three words to describe you: Hilarious, smooth, laugh-out-loud funny.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2025
  • The Ukrainians have knocked out at least two BTR-D funnies since November.
    David Axe, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Examples include Africa United, a comedy about young Rwandan soccer players; The Trial of Jeff David, a true crime podcast detailing the lives of former slaves falsely accused of murder in the 1800s; and Black Enuf, a cartoon about LGBT hip-hop lovers.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Glickman knew that a successful relaunch required one essential ingredient — the involvement of Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans and Keenen Ivory Wayans, the siblings who gave those popular comedies their subversive spark.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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