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 Although Louis has yet to make his Wimbledon debut, the notoriously comical royal also seems to be learning to love the game at an early age. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 4 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
Adjective
  • This American Life, the legendary weekly podcast featuring compelling, humorous, and deeply human stories about everyday life, is still going strong.
    Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • And a podcast called Greeking Out from NatGeo offers a humorous spin on ancient Greek myths for kids and even includes fun historical tidbits.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Four-nil down at half-time, Mbappe started a ridiculous comeback.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • In the face of climate change, such woo woo aphorisms seem ridiculous, naive, and cruel.
    Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • The humor — especially in terms of the comedic timing — absolutely sparkles in this production helmed by director Charles Pasternak.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • Bootycandy is a series of comedic scenes primarily following the character of Sutter, a gay Black man growing from adolescence to manhood.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • That’s absurd for a company generating $14 billion in yearly free cash flow.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • In some ways, watching this late-career Messi has become just as compelling an experience as watching the one who recorded a quite absurd 91 goals and 22 assists for Barcelona and Argentina in 2012.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • In reality, admissions officers routinely remember essays that are joyful, funny, intellectually playful, or quietly reflective.
    Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Besides being a talented singer, Babyface is also a funny and engaging performer.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 22, Sacbee.com, 22 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
  • The wonky physics can't be too wonky, because janky controls can go from amusing to annoying pretty quickly.
    Jason Bennett, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026
  • There’s also plenty of family time captured, including an amusing bye week trip to Manhattan — complete with a subway trip — to watch two of Emily’s brothers run the New York Marathon.
    John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 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 23 Jul. 2026.

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