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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 To suggest otherwise is laughable. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 18 Sep. 2025 Hegel thought this was laughable. Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 18 Sep. 2025 Fans have joked online that Jeremiah seems to care more about the cake than anything else, turning this dessert into a laughable must-have at watch parties. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2025 Anytime there’s a federal budgetary surplus (which sounds laughable), Congress may conclude that past lawmakers have overtaxed their constituents such that a prompt return of the excess revenue is justified. Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • His writing is lavishly detailed and sharply intelligent, nuanced and lyrical but also funny and sometimes surreal.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The dudes-rock montage that followed the execution sketch had some genuinely funny bits.
    T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump filed a bogus lawsuit against the company that pivoted on the ridiculous claim that YouTube was a secret agent of the Biden administration.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
  • For those who tire of driving something ridiculous-looking on paved roads, good news!
    Sean Evans, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The change in environment prompted some humorous speculation from commenters about how the new stairs might affect the cat's health.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Cooper gets considerable humorous mileage out of his goofy stoner role, starting with a guffaw-inducing pratfall entrance involving an exploding carton of oat milk.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This would be an absurd show of force, and totally uncalled for during a government shutdown when members of the military cannot even get a paycheck.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Knightley and Pearce coast and their characters never come alive and resort to doing silly things at this misfire’s absurd, regrettable finale.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Political satire on national television—particularly on NBC’s SNL—continues to shape public discourse, and the latest episode, which lampooned Bondi and Noem, drew attention for its comedic send-up of recent Senate testimony and the ongoing government shutdown.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • This comedic science fiction has since become a cultural icon with a passionate fanbase.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And Craig Waterman, the marketing executive from the 2024 film Friendship, took Robinson into new territory with a darker and more pathetic take on the same neurotic type.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2025
  • In his brightest moments, Mike is boyishly gentle, a little wacky, and modestly proud — all in ways that Dillane manages to make feel both pathetic and delightful.
    Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Judging by the amusing premiere episode, there is some potential to the motley crew of this government service.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The other twist is that Noelle is addicted to a podcast (performed by Adwa Alasiri) that dishes out both true crime stories and helpful makeup tips, an amusing combination of gloss and gore.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But the tone swings between sour and sweet, grounded and silly, and the jokes run more broadly wacky than precise or original.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025
  • In my eyes, much of the charm of a craft brewer is a willingness to be a little silly.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

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