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 Ancient mosaics have been restored into laughable deformities of their previous selves. Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026 Until now, the idea that the secretary of defense would accuse a lawmaker of treason simply for disagreeing with him would be laughable. Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026 What’s even more laughable is your characterization of Billy as the state’s top prosecutor. Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Feb. 2026 But to suggest his personality played a role in this snub is laughable. Steve Buckley, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • Driven out of the family mansion, mother and child relocate to the less auspicious Belleville, New Jersey — one of the film’s few genuinely funny touches — where Mary whiles away her days in the employ of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
  • In what was an otherwise pretty gripping and funny first episode, Tribal Council was kind of a dud.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Across the eight-episode series, things move from the ridiculous to the sublime.
    Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
  • The film is afraid to be ridiculous, when in fact ridiculousness should be the animating spirit of most successful studio horror.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In a humorous Facebook post earlier this week, the South Fulton Police Department, based in Metro Atlanta, claimed people were calling them about the public spat.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Even though there are at least one hundred people on this floor, colorful cubicle walls, and plenty of humorous art (a mug shot of Bill Gates from his arrest in Albuquerque is a favorite), the room is disturbingly quiet.
    Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • As a result, the price of gold is now approaching $5,300 an ounce, a level that would have seemed absurd even to seasoned commodities traders just a few years ago.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Luke and Mike Bell, the father-and-son team from South Africa already famous for pushing electric quadcopters to velocities that seemed positively absurd, appear to be building for both.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The 24-hour scenario delivers escalating comedic tension, and the instant penalty gag adds a hilarious format beat.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The trailer’s biggest comedic moment arrives when Woody shows up in person and removes his hat, revealing a bald spot that hilariously glistened in the sunlight and blinded the other toys.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The jobs report was a complete failure, and his economic approval sits at a pathetic 39%.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Now, any of the most pathetic four can draft first overall.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • His conviction that birdwatching would be boffo box office in 2011 dud The Big Year also is chronicled, with amusing references to Tom Rothman, then running Fox and now heading Sony, and his unwavering antipathy toward the project.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026
  • And then there are memes, defined as an idea, behavior or style, an amusing or interesting item that spreads by imitation within a culture and often carries symbolic meaning.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Every detail of Canadian/American (and the slash here is intentionally indicating a romantic relationship versus a friend or co-worker vibe) civics was sillier than the last.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Nothing is too silly or simple.
    Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

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