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 Trump’s notion of giving Americans $1,500 to buy their own insurance is laughable. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026 The recent defensive effort is laughable. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025 The Times reported that a source said that Harry and Charles are moving in the right direction and claimed the pair do speak, but another said this is laughable. Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 29 Dec. 2025 Briggs said Braun’s threats to primary Republicans were laughable. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 12 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • From the other side of the window the guard is giving me funny kine looks.
    Jasmin 'Iolani Hakes, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
  • But history, which has a funny way of repeating itself, suggests otherwise.
    Stephen Mihm, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Because that's f---ing ridiculous.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026
  • By now, Americans have gone numb to the ridiculous statements of the president of the United States.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Such are the concerns of 13-year-old Chris (Izaac Wang) in this humorous yet heartfelt coming-of-age story based loosely on writer-director Sean Wang's own growing up.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The event attracted a few dozen humorous counterprotesters.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Sentimental music, runaway kegs and brutally honest humor collide, making Bud Light’s Super Bowl moment feel effortless, absurd and perfectly timed.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Mike begins to struggle with the idea of doing something that might finally give his life (and his death) meaning, and although the film goes in absurd directions, Gavras sells it by pitching everything at the level of epic satire, his grandiose images working in tandem with moments of broad humor.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Robbie, who proved her deadpan comedic acting chops in Barbie, is a joy as the flighty, vain, fast-talking Cathy, totally lacking in self-awareness.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The comedic actress and two-time Emmy winner died at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness, her reps at CAA confirmed.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • These attempts at sowing division are pathetic and getting boring.
    Rhyma Castillo, San Antonio Express-News, 29 Jan. 2026
  • For Guardiola to focus on lambasting Hallam was pretty pathetic, all told.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Any insight into the thought processes of people like him is informative and amusing, if a bit depressing as well.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Guest reunited much of Waiting for Guffman’s cast for 2000’s even-better Best in Show, an amusing look at the lives of dog owners determined to win top prize at a dog show.
    Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • On one memorable occasion when a Nazi came to town and threatened to burn a Q’uran and then march through the Somali neighborhood, water balloons and silly string.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The whole idea seems silly, but its impact could potentially increase the cost of aviation and affect flight safety and operations.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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