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 The shrimp cocktail idea came from Auduoy’s desire to make Cassie’s wedding both extravagant and comical. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 26 Apr. 2026 All the films are affectionate, most are light-hearted and often comical. Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 Later on that second hole, things turned comical when Garcia started carrying Rahm's bag while Rahm's caddie was tending to the bunker. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026 To his friends, the idea is comical. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
Adjective
  • The telling is harrowing, but also humorous at times, and achieves an emotional register that had me, essentially, transfixed.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • Suspicious government officials are sent to investigate, resulting in a sequence of humorous, often laugh-out-loud encounters.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Given how short all total solar eclipses are, being at all concerned about how many seconds totality lasts is actually ridiculous.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 May 2026
  • That, of course, didn’t set well with WWE’s passionate fan base, especially given that WWE found enough time to put on a ridiculous amount of commercials but somehow not enough to spotlight one of its longest-running rivalry featuring two of the top stars in the women’s division.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • The satirical elements, the rhythm of the show, and the sparkling performances of our cast and guest stars have always had a comedic bent.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Taccone, similarly, clearly has the talent to make all kinds of interesting comedic movies, but seems in search of the best outlet.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s easier to accomplish the further the plot moves away from a diplomatic incident involving several national institutions and toward an occasionally absurd — but absorbing and well-paced — tale of individuals in over their heads.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 8 May 2026
  • The attempt by right-wing activists to use the collapse of Spirit Airlines as a cudgel against the Democrats is ironic and absurd.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • This leads us on an intimate, and at times funny, journey of self-discovery and missteps told in five chapters over the course of a critical year in Robin’s life.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2026
  • And there are some funny moments along the way, such as a scene in which Miranda tries to hang up her coat, having been told to stop throwing it at her assistants.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Otherwise, those bobbleheads will look a little silly.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 May 2026
  • If that strikes you as twee or downright silly, Olivia Newman‘s touchy-feely weepie is not on your wavelength.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Heck, even co-creator Ed Boon pops up for a reasonably amusing cameo as a bartender.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
  • Smith’s involvement, though, is a bit more amusing.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • But as Notes from Underground progresses, his behavior turns from funny to pathetic to downright despicable.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Over pinwheeling synths, Mahesh inhabits her narrator’s misplaced longing with gooey, heart-eyed delusion and sweetly pathetic determination.
    Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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