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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 That suggests an almost comical misunderstanding of free trade. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025 The ornate, over-the-top nature of the piece, contrasted with the comical brevity of its time onscreen, works in tandem to launch it to the middle of the pack. 34. Kinsey Jasnoch, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025 The song evokes an anime sci-fi world that would be merely comical if not for the moving infusion of hope and melancholy in Wayne Coyne’s vocals. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025 Marijuana, which went mainstream decades ago, is hardly worth mentioning anymore; stoners are merely later-generation drunks in the book of comical inebriation. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
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
Adjective
  • But while the Gemstones themselves have embraced Kelvin and his coming out, the rest of the world — particularly rival preacher Vance Simkins (Stephen Dorff), Kelvin’s competition for the ridiculous title of Top Christ-Following Man — is more critical.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
  • In the video, Colbert and Cumming embody billionaires, with the lyrics taking aim at the ridiculous obsessions of the wealthy.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And there are her collaborations with Poehler, this latest one a comedic homage to their 30-year friendship.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Daredevil: Born Again shockingly began with the death of the esteemed, comedic lawyer Foggy Nelson, Matt Murdock’s best friend and business partner from the original 2015 Daredevil series.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Quarterly reports delayed by years would be absurd.
    Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • While that isn't anywhere close to of being traded 10 times, being traded in four straight seasons is quite absurd.
    Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • What’s funny about that is that Alexander appears to have some Leonard Williams to his game.
    Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • What started out curious is going to curiouser — funny, violent and wild.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This is one where the visual spectacle and weird fourth-wall-breaking sections stand head and shoulders above everything else, making for an extremely memorable adventure that embraces the silly side of Doctor Who.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
  • But silly things like feelings and mental health don't matter to rebellion leader Luthen (Stellan Skarsgård), who wants results at any cost.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Also amusing is Fiona Glascott as Lady Violet, an old acquaintance of Sherlock’s who specializes officially in schooling young ladies like Clara to join British high society and unofficially in casting her imperious judgment everywhere.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And while the vision of Young, a vigorous 70 in his trademark schoolboy shorts, tie, crew socks and black shoes, is always amusing, there was nothing but serious respect for his finger-blistering playing.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Read more The pathetic, slow-motion downfall of Barack Obama Houseguests and fish begin to smell after three days, as the saying goes.
    Aris Folley, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Writing the most unbridled, impolite, unreasonable, pathetic rant that gives voice to unseen, unheard parts of you opens a relief valve that transfers emotional pain onto the page.
    Jessica DuLong, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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