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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 Yet, beyond the almost comical disclosures, one of the least memorable lines was also the most enlightening — and highlights why, despite Howe being absent for a fortnight after contracting pneumonia, Tindall has been able to seamlessly step up and take charge of first-team matters in his absence. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 This comical scene, shared to TikTok (@nikkisndsn), has racked up more than 4.7 million views in just three days (April 20). Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 The gaps in footage force Gibney to pad out the 116-minute film with occasionally comical re-enactments. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025 Where one episode is almost comical, the other is fully grim. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
Adjective
  • Some of immediate response was humorous and positive, signaling that he should be given a chance, while others critical, a sign of the times where memes can quickly take on a life of their own.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • The state prefers sans-serif fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, and signage must not give a humorous impression.
    Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Supreme Court justice calls it 'ridiculous' Trump cuts reach climate scientists who labored for free Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • In a world where leaders seem eager to bend the knee to Trump’s every impulse, even the truly ridiculous seems plausible.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The darkly comedic production kicks off Sept. 15 and runs through Nov. 8.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • Berry wasn’t having it—and handled it with comedic finesse.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • This week’s episode tackles the minefield of casting, as execs melt down over the racial politics of casting their absurd Kool-Aid tentpole.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
  • Once again, that means going to absurd lengths in the quest to facilitate banter between pilots, even if some of those attempts hilariously crash and burn.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Our strength comes from funny stories and serious ones, too.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Six actors bring to life dozens of eccentric characters and clever suspects in this diabolically funny comic mystery, according to a news release.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • But many will, in situations where they’re allowed to stretch out, go deep, get silly, or eat hot wings while trying to answer questions.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
  • Have a Dance Party Clear the furniture, cue up a playlist with all of Mom's favorite hits (and a few silly, kid-friendly jams), and let loose.
    Laura Broadwell, Parents, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Rannells, who reprises his role as Stephanie's friend Darren, made headlines when promoting Another Simple Favor with an amusing dodge to a question hinting at Lively's legal dramas.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 May 2025
  • Braun cannot say the same for his amusing role in an instant classic Nuggets moment.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • No other governor, remember, has tried to pull off this pathetic budget stunt.
    Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
  • In his last, most pathetic years, Mark Twain threw himself behind the crackpot theory that the true author of Shakespeare’s plays may have been Francis Bacon.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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