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 In the second half, United’s defensive sloppiness only got worse and led to Brighton adding a second and third in almost comical fashion, gifting goals to Maxim De Cuyper and Pascal Gross in a five-minute spell. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Increasingly grotesque and comical horror-flick kills are one of the elements that distinguish Amazon’s Reacher series from the pair of Tom Cruise–starring features adapted from Lee Child’s novels previously. — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026 There’s an almost comical confidence to wearing several necklaces at once, particularly when each one has been customized to mean something. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Aston Martin should be well poised to fight for midfield positions during this weekend’s Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, something that just a race or two ago would’ve sounded comical. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
Adjective
  • Pledging love and respecting someone or a relationship can make people feel so uncomfortable that leaning into these tropes of life can feel humorous, and that’s where the laughs from a Hallmark film come from.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • What readers are saying The conversation explores a humorous and critical response to an article about making the perfect cup of coffee.
    — Tim Carman, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • One of the most ridiculous examples of antitrust as a weapon of government control came in 1967.
    — Sen. Rand Paul OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Verdict The 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack costs $59,685 including a ridiculous $1,995 destination fee.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • On Saturday’s Season 52 premiere, the NBA Finals 2026 MVP showed off some comedic chops in an otherwise business-as-usual episode of the NBC sketch comedy show, which featured Katseye as its musical guest.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Even so, the show ducked and dived the long arm of the network fuddy-duddies beautifully, skirting the edge of censorship with a knowing wink, clever pun, and out-of-this-world comedic timing.
    — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Ambitious mukbang-ers eager to prove their gastronomic stamina descended on Red Lobster locations across the country to consume absurd quantities of shrimp.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • When things get too absurd or heavy, a one liner pops in and Olesen knows how to do the set up, and then, the mic drop.
    — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Peppino Mazzullo, the Italian actor who provided the voice for the mouse puppet Topo Gigio, best known for his frequent, funny appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, died Wednesday.
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026
  • While Eisenman’s works are funny at first glance, a nuanced narrative, interweaving the personal and political, can usually be teased out of them.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Much of the advice for making friends can feel silly or trite, but focusing on three areas may make a significant impact on your social situation.
    — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Then again, the silliest thing our species could do is resign ourselves to disaster.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Affleck had a particularly amusing — and maybe slightly awkward — anecdote to share when asked about seeking directorial advice from the British Oscar winner.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
  • That might have been an amusing legal omission when the question was theoretical.
    — Jonathan Flora OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chargers' offense mustered a pathetic 14 points all game.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • It’s also brilliantly written as a futile, pathetic rebellion by men with zero agency or purpose in their own lives.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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