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 Practical Magic 2 leans into the supernatural elements of its predecessor to a laughable degree, given how disjointed its lore is. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 The placement feels resonant, since Boorman was always operating between poles of glinting victory and laughable failure. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 The idea that this will somehow prevent me from taking the equivalent of two full doughnuts – at least – is laughable. — Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2026 Track Pants Inspired by Jennifer Lawrence My closet has become laughable, and the fault lies with Jennifer Lawrence. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • Martin McDonagh’s latest comic provocation takes place on Easter Island and in 1970s Chile, where a ferociously funny John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell aim to upend the rule of law.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Sian is so funny and fun, and so is Mark, and so is Dylan [O’Brien].
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • While the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI won’t be available on PC this month, some gamers are making ridiculous preparations to use their PC graphics cards to apply Nvidia’s DLSS 5 technology to the console exclusive.
    — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 5 Nov. 2026
  • First, the incident pushes Rhys to finally get over his ridiculous grudge and mistrust of Nesta for her actions in Flame and Shadow.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The re-enactments bring up painful memories, but also an inappropriate and humorous side of Jolanda.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2026
  • What readers are saying The conversation explores a variety of humorous and satirical takes on the themes presented in the opinion piece.
    — Matt Davies, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • At the start of this election cycle, the notion that Democrats would seriously compete in such deep-red bastions as Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas would have seemed absurd.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • For the second of two F--- Cancer gigs, Reynoso has racked up a gloriously absurd 13 local bands on one madcap, rapid-fire club bill, where each will swarm the stage rig to plug in and play 10-minute sets before giving way to the next act.
    — Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • His breakout comedic dark fantasy comic series Barbaric has sold more than one million copies and is currently in development as a series at Netflix.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Geffen had his eyes set instead on a comedic actor from Canada.
    — Andrew Buss, Vanity Fair, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In fact, the only previous cinematic encounter was the unfortunate 2003 live-action version with Mike Myers that flopped critically and at the box office, winning a pathetic 10 Razzie nominations as one of the worst pictures of that year.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Simply pathetic, but, MY LIONS stay close in the NFC North race and sets up what should be one of the biggest Thanksgiving Day games in Lions history when the Bears come to town on November 26.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Even at their most disturbing, scenes describing carnage tend to be colorful and amusing.
    — Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The most amusing part was a script, set to reinstall QQMusic and Ximalaya—two Chinese-market media subscription apps—plus an app store if they were ever found missing.
    — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 28 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • What became apparent to us was that the game was like a sponge for silly ideas.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2026
  • This week was packed with pre-midterm drama, of which only the silliest is in the quiz.
    — Holly J. Morris, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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