Definition of comicalnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective comical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comical are comic, laughable, ludicrous, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When is comic a more appropriate choice than comical?

Although the words comic and comical have much in common, comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When would laughable be a good substitute for comical?

The words laughable and comical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When is it sensible to use ludicrous instead of comical?

While in some cases nearly identical to comical, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

In what contexts can ridiculous take the place of comical?

The synonyms ridiculous and comical are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 comical Each installment feels like a fever dream of absurd fear mongering about crime, meant to hype Knightscope’s brand of high-tech surveillance and divorced from reality in unintentionally comical ways. Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 24 June 2026 But for all the manosphere poking and parodying, Kyle University isn’t solely there to gather laughs or generate comical confusion. Alex Ritman, Variety, 24 June 2026 Marmo sees Bruce’s life as tragical, comical but also adventurous and courageous. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026 On Saturday, the singer and comedian had published a comical video where Tree was seen playing soccer in a Brazilian neighborhood. ABC News, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
Adjective
  • Eichmeier, the emerging media professor, said Kennedy's humorous videos are an entry point to his politics.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 11 July 2026
  • Stateside, Lucas Glover holds the lead at the ISCO Championship in Louisville, where Max Homa supplied one of the week's lighter moments with a humorous text exchange with Louisville native Justin Thomas.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • May this child wind up miserable with nothing but her ridiculous pieces of headwear to keep her company.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026
  • That ridiculous output makes the hypercar the third most powerful production vehicle in the world, trailing only the Koenigsegg Gemera, which makes 2,300 hp, and the Rimac Nevera R, which makes 2,107 hp.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • Ray had a somewhat comedic moment in the bottom of the first, taking a spill after tagging first base when recording a 3-1 putout.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 5 July 2026
  • Sandler's participation in the newlyweds' wedding ceremony comes nearly a year after the comedic actor co-starred in Happy Gilmore 2 with Kelce, who had a cameo in the sequel film.
    Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • In each social-commentary-teetering-on-horror episode, Nanno is a pupil at a different school, picture perfect and scanning the room for whatever secrets — an abusive teacher, an absurd hierarchical system, petty jealousy — demand to be revealed.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • Cattelan spoke to the Financial Times about the strange afterlife of the work, which has become both a symbol of the art market’s excesses and a reminder of his talent for turning absurd ideas into global spectacles.
    George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • The 26-year-old Houston native was an instant draw for audiences, who connected with her funny, outspoken—yet still plenty vulnerable—personality.
    Rachel Brodsky, Time, 14 July 2026
  • More than just funny mistakes Spoonerisms are only one kind of speech error.
    Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • She’s seen during a dance rehearsal, a silly social media clip, and onstage from their Lollapalooza set, the latter of which came before her announcement in February to step away from Katseye.
    Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026
  • Starring British comedy favourites such as Kevin Eldon and Miranda Hart, Hyperdrive is a very silly show that ended up more like a workplace sitcom in space rather than the next Red Dwarf.
    William Worrall, Space.com, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Ritter, three separate times, called out the Legacy Lounge — which might not have been amusing to those who paid $225 for what was a free concert to everyone else.
    Sophie Lindberg July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • Christopher Nolan discussed the writing process for his upcoming epic The Odyssey during a new interview with BBC News, and shared an amusing anecdote about his son being unimpressed with the filmmaker’s various accolades.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • Never in my lifetime has pathetic nostalgia for the white man’s republic been closer to the center of power.
    Brian DeLay, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
  • Instagram Plus is social media’s newest low—a company preying on our most pathetic impulses, for the price of a small iced coffee.
    Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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