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 Briggs said Braun’s threats to primary Republicans were laughable. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 12 Dec. 2025 His assertion that there are no examples of private sector employees performing better and for less cost than city employees is laughable. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025 Branded as Fast-XP, short for Fast Experience, these models push shoe design beyond legal limits, into what many considered laughable extremes. Cory Smith, Outside, 25 Oct. 2025 This is the kind of overwrought language that even sympathetic readers like me find laughable. Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • To the contrary, though the film is frequently funny, Brewer takes their ambitions and reversals seriously.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Hockey is a funny game sometimes.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • So the firings of Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and the Ravens’ Harbaugh have injected some juice into a Giants search that previously threatened to cast as wide and arbitrary a net as last year’s ridiculous Jets process.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The Olympics is a ridiculous mixture of hit-you-straight-in-the-feels origin stories and Greek god-level athletic prowess.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Delhomme’s answer, by turns humorous and insightful, is worth listening to.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
  • These items feel sentimental and humorous (in an endearing, nostalgic way).
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • After the first Roundtable, Survivor stalwart Rob Cesternino — perhaps clued in by Candiace’s absurd conga line ploy to get people out of the kitchen — sniffed out that a murder in plain sight could be happening.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Contrary to what many may think, the researchers found no correlation between a person’s level of education and their capacity to believe in absurd conspiracies.
    Joe Wilkins Published Jan 8, Futurism, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Adventurous cinephiles came to worship his enveloping dramas, and directors like Jim Jarmusch and Gus Van Sant were heavily influenced by his contemplative style and underappreciated deadpan comedic style.
    Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Vinnie Dakota and Balthazar Cavendish, voiced respectively by Povenmire and Marsh, provide some of the best comedic moments from the series.
    Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Add the pathetic reality that Illinois is the very definition of unfriendliness for business development and job creation, and the only thing Pritzker and his accomplices can campaign on is the vilification of Trump, facts be damned.
    Paul Miller, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
  • There are solutions to Joe Biden’s failing and pathetic attempts to raise money to build a presidential library.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 20 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • His performance as president has been altogether different, and far less amusing.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • His performance as president has been altogether different, and far less amusing.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • To say the road to the Super Bowl goes through Jacksonville sounds silly in the NFL’s grand scheme, but for a talented and decorated Bills group that never has won there, that’s the first stop on the quest.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Citing the Monroe Doctrine is silly.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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