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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 Her lessons are comical and their related excursions endearing: Santa Monica shares tips about different positions and offers pointers on incorporating toys. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025 His Best Friend Still Shows Up Every Week to Watch Their Show Together (Exclusive) Noah had garbage day shirts and garbage toys, all of which were comical to Carrigan, as her husband, Noah's father, is a fireman. Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 4 May 2025 Paco and Colt communicate almost telepathically, finishing each other’s sentences and telling comical stories as a unit. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 11 Apr. 2025 Munster’s Wilbur Wright Middle School team appeared chill during their lunch break, though some of the students veered perilously close to the comical side of trial-and-error. Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
Adjective
  • In his feature debut, Dupont follows the two men with a sense of empathetic detachment and an appreciation for fine detail and humorous dialogue.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 June 2025
  • Popular posts might feature a photo with a humorous caption, an anonymous confession, or a detailed technical answer to a complex question.
    Dan Cody Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • For the purpose of the art of the deal, the threat of a universal tariff, currently at 10% but hypothetically due to rebound to the ridiculous reciprocal rates of 30% or 40% on key allies at the end of the 90-day pause in July, is a compelling one.
    Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
  • Friday night’s outcome came down to two ridiculous shots from distance that got past one of the best goalies in the NWSL.
    Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Director Kingsley described how the project evolved from its comedic roots.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 June 2025
  • But where its genre predecessors were given 20-plus-episode first seasons to calibrate their characters’ quirks, nail down a consistent comedic tone, and get fans invested in the journey, Adults has no such luxury.
    Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s the undercurrent of politics stirring animus between the neighbors, with Canadians angered by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and his absurd aside saying perhaps Canada should be the 51st U.S. state.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
  • The concept itself is absurd, given the modest park features.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Because to us, the most funny things are right next to the most tragic things.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
  • There are enough quotable lines of dialogue in the movie’s first half to remind you why Succession was, pound for pound, one of the most profanely funny shows on TV during its run.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • If a couple players on the Dodgers can make a silly comment, so can the owner of the Yankees.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • The artwork is silly and exaggerated to capture youngsters’ attention.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • The post prompted a chorus of amusing responses from commenters.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • Instruct large language model for a quick, amusing tutorial on how to solve a Rubik’s Cube.
    Dave Altavilla, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Anyone who tells you different is a liar (and pathetic, and alone in life).
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2025
  • The politicized fantasy and horror films by Ryan Coogler and Jordan Peele are merely pathetic.
    Armond White, National Review, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on comical

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