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
  • Bitingly funny in its comedy and wistful in its drama, the film rests on the delicate performance of newcomer Verma, a diminutive, age-appropriate actor who molds Ilyas in captivating ways.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
  • There are also funny cameos from Pete Davidson and Bobby Cannavale, both used well.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In fact, a Texas jury once found that an alligator mascot infringed the beaver, so nobody should assume a judge shares their sense of the ridiculous.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the evacuation, Olya fixates on the fact that men aged 18 to 60 are barred from leaving, all the while wearing a ridiculous big fluffy hat that seems to protect her more from the societal meltdown around her than from the cold.
    Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In July, Roku made the city even more interactive with a new brand campaign that guides users to visit six themed areas featuring humorous promo spots, including a pirate ship, a volcano and a villain’s evil lair.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Black Seed writers are abrasive, wistful, humorous, and loaded with insight.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The show explores the darkly absurd side of modern-day male friendship.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Just absurd, and all happening in his first full season in the majors.
    Matt Piper, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • So there’s something really cathartic about watching Ulf — the lowliest, most base, comedic and ludicrous of all the Targaryens and dragonriders — beating him.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But submitting an episode this low on Gabby’s signature comedic energy is keeping Williams’s strongest attributes under wraps.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • North Texas Howard WKU Northwestern Rutgers Nebraska That's a pathetic first six weeks.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
  • Despite the Warriors operating with a pathetic sense of self-mortification — bending over backward for the mere possibility the King might grace them with his presence — the power of friendship wasn’t enough to lure James to the Bay.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • This breed is a high-energy dog that's rascally, amusing and certainly vocal.
    Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 28 July 2026
  • While the letter is amusing and frank, Kincaid is making a request that would have been ignored.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • Every season of Strange New Worlds has featured at least one episode that emphasizes Star Trek’s silly side (and this may not be the last such outing in season four).
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The silly yellow fruit that became a part of their culture was freighted, from the start, with suggestive meaning.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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