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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 Hegel thought this was laughable. Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 18 Sep. 2025 Fans have joked online that Jeremiah seems to care more about the cake than anything else, turning this dessert into a laughable must-have at watch parties. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2025 Anytime there’s a federal budgetary surplus (which sounds laughable), Congress may conclude that past lawmakers have overtaxed their constituents such that a prompt return of the excess revenue is justified. Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 That too is laughable, historians of the circus say. April White, JSTOR Daily, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • Jonathan was so funny and quick-witted for such a young kid.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Having this really intense action scene, and then all of a sudden a joke, a funny moment.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is the most ridiculous robbery ever, Mirvat thought.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Summarize Text – Get a quick overview of a long email, article or contract and understand those ridiculous ‘Terms of Service’ agreements.
    Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Barkov is the opposite of Tkachuk in personality, never the one with the humorous postgame quote or engaging TV soundbite.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The duo, who are known for their original and often humorous dance routines, will be repped by UTA across digital, theater and scripted (co-represented with Curtis Brown).
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This aspect will always cast her apart, even today, in the sense that a woman’s naked body is still perceived by audiences as something that stands out for some absurd reason, unfortunately.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Their vote to shut down the government is absurd.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In a 1972 Esquire interview, the writer Harold Brodkey pressed her to examine her comedic sources.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The comedic cross-country car film, which rescued the reputation of the envelope-pushing company after back-to-back duds National Lampoon's Movie Madness and National Lampoon's Class Reunion, represented a kind of maturation for the brand.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Characters can be pathetic, and frank about their Toledo Truth Teller’s bleak prospects.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Jimmy Kimmel is a pathetic hate monger.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The latter character ushers in a stiff but amusing Mark Cuban cameo.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Fleury gave a typically amusing answer when asked about the chants of one more year.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This dance party for toddlers and preschoolers is packed with silly puppets, cheerful songs, and endless smiles!
    Sarah Z. Sleeper, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • And why that silly jacket in the middle of June?
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

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