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 Track Pants Inspired by Jennifer Lawrence My closet has become laughable, and the fault lies with Jennifer Lawrence. Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 Such statements will be laughable to investors of the future, says Jeremy Grantham, co-founder of investment giant GMO. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 8 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • On paper, the script didn’t seem that funny, and the looseness of it all — the clowning, the lack of a traditional plot structure — seemed kind of slapdash.
    Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The play touches on issues of male bonding, family, reentering the dating pool, loss, grief and despair, while being very funny almost all the time.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The diabolical is ambiguous and often frankly sexy; the ridiculous is not.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Just by changing his gait to something ridiculous, Cleese gives his audience a moment of release from the entire world of work.
    Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Why do some humorous attempts land perfectly while others fail?
    Norbert Schwarz, Harvard Business Review, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Too often, humorous novels find comedy by mimicking the things that film and TV do, relying on writing that often feels like transcriptions from the screen.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The English dialogue for these films was often absurd and barely coherent, written to conform to the movements of the actors’ mouths.
    Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Correa’s contract contains a full no-trade clause, though any thought of the Astros moving him seems absurd.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 15 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
  • This is a complete pathetic effort by defense, offense and coaching.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Among the performers, Smith rules the roost as the no-nonsense Angela, and Jones acquits himself tolerably on comic relief duties as the pathetic Mike.
    Caspar Salmon, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • They’ve been assembled for a brain-breaker of a misfired melodrama, at first darkly amusing, before plunging headlong into soap opera-style twists and a general sense of heavy depression that no one can shake.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The obsessive neat freak beneath the easygoing surface of the virtue-signaling feminist ally might have made an amusing motif if it were ever referenced again.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That being said, the Ravens offense made the Colts look silly.
    Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Barisone’s proposition was that everything that followed—months of living and working together, silly texts—was done in the shadow of that threat.
    Ian Parker, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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