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 Cougars simply punted the ball out of bounds at a near-comical level through the final 40 minutes, papercuts that bled the clock dry. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 May 2026 Similarly economical and granularly detailed is a 20-minute sequence in the middle of the film that’s gruesome, comical and crucial to the propulsion of the story. Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2026 From an almost comical beginning in its first four seasons involving a midrace change of car, the series has constantly improved its technology, with ultra-rapid pitstop charging added since season 11. James Morris, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 In his latest, In the Grey, Ritchie takes this compulsive, hyperanalytical love of preparation to comical levels. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
Adjective
  • The actress, 52, shared a humorous Instagram Reel on Thursday, June 4.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
  • As Fey said in an interview pegged to season one, the truth is humorous.
    Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Thanks in large part to their four ridiculous last-minute comebacks — one in each playoff round — the Pacers will go down in history as one of the most exciting teams that didn’t win the title.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
  • At its core, most superhero films, for me, are somewhat ridiculous.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Constantine Rousouli, Marla Mindelle and Tye Blue launched Titanique, a comedic retelling of Titanic through the lens and music of Céline Dion, as a low-budget project between friends that ran Off-Broadway and became a surprise smash hit.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
  • The company is additionally developing a workplace comedy situated in a radio station, Windover Radio, and Bob’s Pest Control, a series adaptation of a 2023 comedic sci-fi short story by Ryan Hyatt.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Soon my entire feed was pugs and poodles and beagles and portmanteau blends with absurd names like golden doodle and cavapoo.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • Produced by Heavy Lifting Productions in association with 3 Arts Entertainment, Knighted follows a missing person’s case that spirals into an absurd documentary-style exploration of the sinister secrets lurking beneath the enchanting pageantry of a local medieval dinner theatre.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • To work with Ed Asner, at that point, how funny would that have been?
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 June 2026
  • There are frequent funny asides and philosophical musings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • From Valentino pig hoofs to Chanel half-sandals, our feeds are full of silly, outrageous and outright ugly footwear.
    Shane O’Neill, Washington Post, 12 June 2026
  • This 22-inch hopping ball has a silly face on it, available in blue or orange.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • It’s been nearly two months since Morgan Neville’s amusing and thoroughly superficial Lorne, in which the Oscar-winning documentarian tried and failed to get the Saturday Night Live creator to let down his guard.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026
  • But perhaps the most amusing depiction was how Taylor contrasted the stay-at-home moms (and dads) with Marissa and Jenny, with most of the sartorial showdowns taking place during school pickups and dropoffs.
    Clarissa Cruz, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Sports make people a little pathetic.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
  • Williams didn't portray Peter Banning as pathetic.
    Cynthia Pelayo, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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