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 At times comical, each of these stories swerves and plunges deep into dark truths of human nature. Literary Hub, 9 June 2026 My next cheese experience was a variation both comical and convincing. Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026 Underdog declined to comment on the matter other than to point out that the company has pulled comical stunts at the expense of members of the sports world. Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026 And Björck went about demolishing his peer group to an absolutely comical level. Thomas Drance, New York Times, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
Adjective
  • Shapiro-Barnum, who has a BFA in acting and a background in sketch comedy, comes armed with the ability to create humorous and well-placed questions, setting the scene for his famous guests to be endearingly disarmed by the kids.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026
  • Now, the Malice star is revealing new details about the nuptials, including a couple of humorous mishaps that added to the unforgettable memories of the day.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • That is, on paper anyway, a ridiculous sentence.
    Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • So why not put something ridiculous or funny in the background, even during a scene that’s only there to move the exposition forward?
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Oreo challenge is one of the episode’s comedic high points.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
  • The production is a deeply personal look at her life and career, inspired by her beloved grandmother, Freddie Mae Glover, and her lifelong dream of becoming a comedic performer like her idol, Carol Burnett.
    Staff Author, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Swipe fees and minimums make a tenth-of-a-cent charge absurd.
    Renana Ashkenazi, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Yes, Scheffler enters this week as the betting favorite, but by his absurd standards, his probability has actually dipped.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Other members of the cast contribute some sharp edges and moments that are legitimately funny.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
  • Someone’s losing their dignity, and that’s funny.
    Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • When it’s done well, the audience doesn’t realize that’s what’s happening; this story is super-silly and the characters actually just got a little bit closer.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 June 2026
  • The whole thing was undeniably silly.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • This is amusing but understandable; in an era where commodity fetishism has turned analog, low-budget cinema into something aspirational, Jenkin has made no compromises for accessibility.
    Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 June 2026
  • Regal bontebok were replaced by stout warthogs, whose amusing visages quickly filled my camera roll.
    Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • Consider this pathetic phenomenon yet one more reason the American people — or, at least, Californians — should demand a more rational way to fund political campaigns.
    Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
  • After a truly pathetic opening half, the Knicks needed to give each and every row in MSG something to cheer about.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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