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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 While significant damage was no doubt achieved, total obliteration is totally laughable. Sonam Sheth gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 Google Gemini creates pictures that make anything from Apple's Image Playground look laughable. Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 After a couple of goalless draws and a laughable 10-0 whitewash, this is more like it: four goals, three red cards and a contest that rid the Club World Cup of its pre-season tour vibe. Phil Hay, New York Times, 17 June 2025 Michelle Wu’s duplicitous stunt demanding Freedom of Information responses from ICE is just the latest laughable Democratic tactic to stoke opposition to President Donald Trump’s deportation roundup. Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • Adam Johnson, The Orphan Master’s Son Set in contemporary North Korea, this epic, harrowing, and darkly funny novel follows a man caught in a totalitarian machine.
    Mark Nevins, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
  • Charlie Brown has evolved into something nicer In those days, Charles M. Schulz’s comic and its characters were meaner, the humor darker (and, frankly, funnier).
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The video wraps with a ridiculous post-credits scene from the wedding reception, featuring Sheeran in a full wedding dress, totally committed to the waltz choreography.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025
  • These movies are brilliantly written, but above all will do anything to get a laugh, no matter how silly, how absurd, how ridiculous — how stupid.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Donkey provided comic relief, pathos and friendship to Shrek, with the film praised for its humorous twist on fairy-tale tropes.
    Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2025
  • This humorous and heartfelt novel traces a decade in the couple’s life together — and Coralie’s own journey toward self-discovery.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Interestingly, the Vance memes were far more surreal and absurd than South Park’s caricature, which retained the simple, bloated design of the first few images.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • These movies are brilliantly written, but above all will do anything to get a laugh, no matter how silly, how absurd, how ridiculous — how stupid.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Is known for a feverish delivery and inventive comedic song titles like the ones that permeate his latest project, WHO WATERS THE WILTING GIVING TREE ONCE THE LEAVES DRY UP AND FRUITS NO LONGER BEAR?
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Other comedic categories include Best Beverage, Filet Mignon Award for Best Beef, Canadian Award for Canadian Delicacy, Worst Sticky Feeling and more.
    Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Cowardly, unaccountable, pathetic: How much more does anyone really need to know about the incompetence of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System than something that was reported a week ago?
    Chris Powell, Hartford Courant, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Even by his standards, Trump’s effort to find a scapegoat was pretty pathetic.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • More Getty Images What made his Saturday round at Sedgefield Country Club more amusing was the birdie surge.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Also, the British themselves are generally strange and amusing.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Similar to the first film, families will enjoy silly slapstick mixed with great chemistry between Lohan and Curtis, who are just as good together.
    Katie Grant, Parents, 7 Aug. 2025
  • In one silly snap, Cannon could be seen wearing a red sweatsuit and posing with four of his kids.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

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