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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 Interviewed for the doc, Bush also supplies its most comical moments, intentionally or not. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2025 From there, the audience is ushered into this new world through a series of fun and breezy, and sometimes comical, sequences that fill in the plot. Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 9 July 2025 Star Lee reveals the scene almost had a more comical quality at the beginning. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 13 June 2025 In the first movie, Weathers’ character met a comical demise (by falling out of a window after Happy surprised him with the body of the alligator who bit off his hand) and later made an appearance from heaven. Jack Smart, People.com, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
Adjective
  • The film, written by Tony McNamara (The Favourite, The Great) and directed by Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, Bombshell), also comments on the observation that Brits are inherently better at insulting each other in a way that feels humorous or light-hearted as opposed to just outright cruel.
    EW.com, EW.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • The pair form an uneasy and sometimes humorous alliance while uncovering a drug ring revolving around a dangerous alien narcotic.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Drawing such conclusions from two, admittedly sparkling, performances is ridiculous.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • No Other Choice blends mismatched tones and genre hallmarks in a way that’s typical for Park and yet remains invigorating, leading to a ridiculous look at what happens when the system pushes a person to the very edge of desperation.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Sony Pictures Television have extended the options on several key cast members of its upcoming Netflix comedic coming-of-age drama Boots, Deadline has learned.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Chris Tucker’s sharp comedic timing takes center stage in Money Talks, and Jamie Foxx electrifies as Electro in The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Chalk all the cameos up to Jerry Jr’s marketing efforts chasing celebs, Frankie’s absurd mustache and personality, plus Jerry Senior’s focus on delivering the attitude that Apocalypse customers appreciate.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Claims that these maps, which establish four new majority-Hispanic districts, are discriminatory are absurd.
    Andrew Stanton Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Scattered Thoughts: The digs at 30 Seconds To Mars were funny and telling.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Ramirez described Flores as a humble, funny and caring person.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Alcaraz and Sinner are early enough in their careers that debates around their legacies feel silly.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Evans described Steve as goofy, silly, and full of charm, with a love for food and people alike.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Indeed, many people even reached out to share their own personal battles with Kumon back in the day, which has been equally amusing.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Among others in the large cast, Patrick Wilson is amusing as a lesser star client of Ron’s who accepts the festival tribute after Jay initially turned it down, thus both now being feted.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • How petty and pathetic and thin-skinned could this administration get?
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Two things were completely predictable after Donald Trump’s pathetic stunt, packing the streets of Washington, DC, with National Guard members and federal agents, allegedly to combat crime.
    Chris Brennan, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

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