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 Frustrated at the lack of evidence and feeling the heat of the gutter press, their determination to hone in on their sole suspect would be laughable if not for the catastrophic consequences. Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 3 June 2026 Which was widely panned for its unrealistic plot, laughable dialogue, and inexplicable plotting. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026 Besides the glowing green Riddler trophies, one of the game’s many other collectibles are audio tapes of therapists and doctors speaking with various asylum patients, and some of these conversations are downright laughable. Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 In this environment, the notion that any Pac-12 expansion candidate would prompt one of its media partners (CBS, The CW and USA Network) to offer enough revenue to satisfy current members approaches laughable. Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • No, what’s so funny is that this is the first time that’s ever come up.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The jokers Toth and Jackson, bless them, keep things endearing and funny.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The ridiculous part was that, for a long time, people thought that a protective garment would need to look like full-plate armor in order to offer meaningful protection.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Personally, this idea that the woke nonsense is just an outmoded relic of the past is ridiculous.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • While captain Henderson is crucial for a harmonious atmosphere and has the self-confidence to lead the team into this new era, and he is joined by the ever-humorous Hughes, there is an absence of strong personalities in this squad.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Gunn said some of the Internet memes mocking her moves were humorous before widespread analysis of her efforts took on a frenzied life of its own.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • There has been something almost absurd about Ferran Torres’ summer.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • SpaceX’s Starlink constellation currently performs an average of 1,000 maneuvers a day to dodge potential collisions, a number that would have seemed absurd just a decade ago.
    Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The other presidents had some semblance of comedic appreciation, whether through cynicism, irony, sarcasm, joke-telling, joke appreciation or storytelling.
    John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Rhys is a rare double nominee at the Emmys this year, as he was recognized for both his comedic performance on Widow’s Bay and his dramatic turn on The Beast in Me.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • There was no pathetic pleading with the audience to come closer.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026
  • North Texas Howard WKU Northwestern Rutgers Nebraska That's a pathetic first six weeks.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • The oysters and the pretzels are amusing moments, but the real tension comes as the group are just sitting and talking.
    Deadline, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The format was an amusing detour as the crowd heard from Shiflett (No Use for a Name), Jaffee (The Wallflowers), Mendel (Sunny Day Real Estate), Smear (The Germs) and Rubin (The New Regime).
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But to make some generalization that all career women are psychotic because Glenn Close happened to be psychotic at the end of that movie is just silly.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Residents riding on two wheels in Overland Park might see some new silly signs along the city’s most popular paths and trails.
    Taylor O'Connor August 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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