Definition of laughablenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective laughable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of laughable are comical, comic, ludicrous, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When might comic be a better fit than laughable?

The synonyms comic and laughable are sometimes interchangeable, but comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When could comical be used to replace laughable?

The words comical and laughable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

Where would ludicrous be a reasonable alternative to laughable?

In some situations, the words ludicrous and laughable are roughly equivalent. However, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When would ridiculous be a good substitute for laughable?

The meanings of ridiculous and laughable largely overlap; however, 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 laughable Frustrated at the lack of evidence and feeling the heat of the gutter press, their determination to hone in on their sole suspect would be laughable if not for the catastrophic consequences. Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 3 June 2026 Which was widely panned for its unrealistic plot, laughable dialogue, and inexplicable plotting. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026 Besides the glowing green Riddler trophies, one of the game’s many other collectibles are audio tapes of therapists and doctors speaking with various asylum patients, and some of these conversations are downright laughable. Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 In this environment, the notion that any Pac-12 expansion candidate would prompt one of its media partners (CBS, The CW and USA Network) to offer enough revenue to satisfy current members approaches laughable. Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • The 26-year-old Houston native was an instant draw for audiences, who connected with her funny, outspoken—yet still plenty vulnerable—personality.
    Rachel Brodsky, Time, 14 July 2026
  • More than just funny mistakes Spoonerisms are only one kind of speech error.
    Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Four-nil down at half-time, Mbappe started a ridiculous comeback.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • In the face of climate change, such woo woo aphorisms seem ridiculous, naive, and cruel.
    Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • This American Life, the legendary weekly podcast featuring compelling, humorous, and deeply human stories about everyday life, is still going strong.
    Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • And a podcast called Greeking Out from NatGeo offers a humorous spin on ancient Greek myths for kids and even includes fun historical tidbits.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • In each social-commentary-teetering-on-horror episode, Nanno is a pupil at a different school, picture perfect and scanning the room for whatever secrets — an abusive teacher, an absurd hierarchical system, petty jealousy — demand to be revealed.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • Cattelan spoke to the Financial Times about the strange afterlife of the work, which has become both a symbol of the art market’s excesses and a reminder of his talent for turning absurd ideas into global spectacles.
    George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • The humor — especially in terms of the comedic timing — absolutely sparkles in this production helmed by director Charles Pasternak.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • Bootycandy is a series of comedic scenes primarily following the character of Sutter, a gay Black man growing from adolescence to manhood.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Never in my lifetime has pathetic nostalgia for the white man’s republic been closer to the center of power.
    Brian DeLay, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
  • Instagram Plus is social media’s newest low—a company preying on our most pathetic impulses, for the price of a small iced coffee.
    Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Ritter, three separate times, called out the Legacy Lounge — which might not have been amusing to those who paid $225 for what was a free concert to everyone else.
    Sophie Lindberg July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • Christopher Nolan discussed the writing process for his upcoming epic The Odyssey during a new interview with BBC News, and shared an amusing anecdote about his son being unimpressed with the filmmaker’s various accolades.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • She’s seen during a dance rehearsal, a silly social media clip, and onstage from their Lollapalooza set, the latter of which came before her announcement in February to step away from Katseye.
    Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026
  • Starring British comedy favourites such as Kevin Eldon and Miranda Hart, Hyperdrive is a very silly show that ended up more like a workplace sitcom in space rather than the next Red Dwarf.
    William Worrall, Space.com, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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