Definition of laughablenext
1
2

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 Yes, the mere thought of the Red Sox as contenders is borderline laughable. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 30 June 2026 March 13, 2026 For Gen Z neophytes and hardcore fans overseas (South Asian and Nigerian Mike zealots apparently have a lot to say on the matter), the idea of MJ/Prince ever being a rivalry is laughable. Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • Occasionally, this appeared to be in jest (although not actually very funny).
    Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Mulligan should win for her darkly funny, cringe-inducing turn, though Snook, Pidgeon and sentimental favorite Field are all in play too.
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The student also claimed to have only brought the knife to school to play a game with his friends with the goal being to see who could sneak the most ridiculous item on campus.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
  • What are the odds that the same team could both win and lose thoroughly ridiculous 10-9 games in the same week?
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • This year's Ig Nobel Prizes — which are awarded for humorous, yet thought-provoking research — have been announced, but not on their home turf.
    Ari Daniel, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Some of Sami’s videos also were humorous and self-deprecating.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Every once in a while, a professional athlete will do something so absurd on the field that people will question if the athlete is from this world.
    Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Brizé weaves between these absurd moments and two slow-simmering crises that cause Carla to begin doubting her diehard commitment to work.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Snatch is far more clever than many similar ensemble capers, with a real nasty edge that remains comedic rather than nihilistic.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Running eight episodes, Davidson teases that The Varnell Hill Show‘s first season will be an experience like no other, giving viewers a mix of comedic bits, interviews, and live performances.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Billboards along Southern California freeways have broadcast the Angels’ desperate attempts to draw in fans via pathetic promotions.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The outfield production continues to be a concern, and the overall offensive production is pathetic.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The show is generally amusing, sometimes very funny and easy to watch as an evolving story of family.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • That closeness, however, has made the internet’s speculation about their secret romantic arrangement particularly amusing to Bunny, who tells PEOPLE that there is no hidden relationship between the three.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Playing the part largely for laughs, Moore actually has more in common with Lazenby than Connery; his Bond is softer and sillier than the original, an approach Moore would double down on in later films — often to the chagrin of Bond purists.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
  • For Lance Oppenheim, Primetime’s DNA resides inside a silly Cameo video.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster