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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 That’s a sentence that would have been laughable just a couple of years ago. Allison Morrow, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025 Yet after the 90+ minutes of action on Sunday, that idea seems simply laughable. Adam Digby, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 That’s a sentence that would have been laughable just a couple of years ago. Allison Morrow, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025 Instead, it’s undermined at every turn by the script’s baffling misunderstanding of its own tone and laughable performances. James Grebey, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • Our strength comes from funny stories and serious ones, too.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Six actors bring to life dozens of eccentric characters and clever suspects in this diabolically funny comic mystery, according to a news release.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Supreme Court justice calls it 'ridiculous' Trump cuts reach climate scientists who labored for free Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • In a world where leaders seem eager to bend the knee to Trump’s every impulse, even the truly ridiculous seems plausible.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some of immediate response was humorous and positive, signaling that he should be given a chance, while others critical, a sign of the times where memes can quickly take on a life of their own.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • The state prefers sans-serif fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, and signage must not give a humorous impression.
    Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • What else can be said about Judge’s absurd start to this season?
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • The biggest change, however, has been in fly ball frequency - his fly ball rate is now an absurd 50.0%, higher than any 2024 MLB regular.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The darkly comedic production kicks off Sept. 15 and runs through Nov. 8.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • Berry wasn’t having it—and handled it with comedic finesse.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • No other governor, remember, has tried to pull off this pathetic budget stunt.
    Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
  • In his last, most pathetic years, Mark Twain threw himself behind the crackpot theory that the true author of Shakespeare’s plays may have been Francis Bacon.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Although the result is certainly amusing, the Darth Vader creation has also been spotted making some potentially controversial comments using Jones’ voice.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025
  • The sketch has a great ending stinger and is very amusing throughout.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Using the Graham Norton hologram to tell us that the Earth was turned to ash on May 24th, 2025 is just the right kind of silly for this show.
    Ryan Woodrow, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025
  • Eurovision is still too much of a silly spectacle for some, even with JJ in it.
    Alex Marshall, New York Times, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

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