1
2

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 Febos appreciates the laughable modesty of her goal. Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025 Another laughable article in which a link to Isak from Arsenal is made. James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 May 2025 The Nuggets have a 59.3 offensive rating in 28 minutes without Jokic, and an even more laughable 49.1 in the same amount of time without Murray. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 28 Apr. 2025 But far from being laughable, these behavioral stereotypes are the external manifestations of big internal shifts, many of them linked to the effects of fluctuating hormones on the brain. Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • Much like his character, Boyce is mild-mannered, kind and effortlessly funny.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • The Target jokes stopped being funny when, in 2023, right-wing social-media attacks on its Pride collection got so bad that the company pulled some of the items from its stores, citing threats to employees.
    Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even for a show that’s famous for its silliness, this is a ridiculous storyline.
    Judy Berman, Time, 20 June 2025
  • And finally… As bad as some teams are, the rule that every club must be represented at the All-Star Game borders on ridiculous.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Earlier this week, on Monday, June 9, Matthew posted about their 13th wedding anniversary in an equally humorous way.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • And fans of the franchise will get a kick out of the humorous, quirky dynamic between the entire group of younger Vikings in training.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The nutrient can indeed help with all of those, but sometimes, the claims turn absurd.
    Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 20 June 2025
  • The College World Series semifinals concluded Wednesday, allowing Houston Astros manager Joe Espada another chance to marvel at an absurd ascension.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The narrative twist: the story is driven not by the characters themselves but by eight distinct emotions in their minds — comedic, romantic, bizarre, and rational.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 June 2025
  • Kroll says one of the most important things was to make sure that every story was handled in a mindful and earnest way, while still approaching the situation in a comedic sense.
    Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • So why did a chess engine that came under the pathetic category and only looks one move ahead not just defeat but humiliate ChatGPT?
    David Szondy June 15, New Atlas, 15 June 2025
  • Not because ownership has had a change of heart, but rather as a way to address their pathetic offense.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sharina Martin is Renee, an editor at the print magazine version of HGTV who buys into the whole Diane experience, professionally and personally, and does it with a sharp amusing stylishness.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
  • In an amusing send-up of Hollywood's penchant for making reboot characters related to original franchise players, the trailers also introduce children of George Kennedy's Ed Hocken and Simpson's Nordberg, the former of which is played by Paul Water Hauser.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Jeff: This has been such a silly way to seed the in-season tournament.
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • The director relishes delivering more of the brutal horror sequences that were the first film’s hallmark, but unlike 28 Days Later’s tight, suffocating narrative, here the story is more sprawling — and a whole lot sillier.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!