Definition of ludicrousnext
1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ludicrous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ludicrous are comical, comic, laughable, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When can comic be used instead of ludicrous?

While the synonyms comic and ludicrous are close in meaning, comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

Where would comical be a reasonable alternative to ludicrous?

In some situations, the words comical and ludicrous are roughly equivalent. However, comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When is laughable a more appropriate choice than ludicrous?

The meanings of laughable and ludicrous largely overlap; however, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When could ridiculous be used to replace ludicrous?

The synonyms ridiculous and ludicrous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 ludicrous The idea that the Cubs could win a World Series in two years was as ludicrous as Indiana winning a national title two years after Cignetti’s arrival. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026 By Monday, Broncos Country's biggest week in 10 years had already jumped feet-first into ludicrous -- especially on the respect front. Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026 By Monday, Broncos Country’s biggest week in 10 years had already jumped feet-first into ludicrous — especially on the respect front. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026 These figures contradict Elon Musk's claim Though some AI hallucinations seem more ludicrous than dangerous, the technology could have a detrimental impact on users and those exposed to misinformation. Charles Singh, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ludicrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ludicrous
Adjective
  • His sharp, funny, and unexpectedly comforting voice makes the book a joy to read and turns what could feel grim into something liberating.
    Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Roy Keane is clearly a very funny character who everyone is scared of… Then Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are just absolutely filled with football.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Drinks come in ridiculous glasses—like a copper bathtub complete with a rubber ducky—the music is blasting, and the entire restaurant is there to have a good time.
    Molly Barstein, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Like, who’s being the most ridiculous?
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Introducing Pharrell was none other than Tyler, the Creator, who delivered a humorous speech of admiration and friendship.
    Essence, Essence, 31 Jan. 2026
  • In terms of scenes that stand out in Part 1, Francesca’s quest to figure out what an orgasm is results in a series of humorous and awkward conversations with various members of the family.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • These politicians who are in their 80s and now 90s continuing to run for office is absurd.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Rates are soaring at absurd levels, but what’s worse is what many homeowners are getting in return — less coverage, fewer payouts and other negative effects.
    Dave Lieber, Dallas Morning News, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • For the remainder of the final season, Penny Marshall was paired with rotating guest stars for a series of comedic misadventures.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • He was generally regarded as a comedic giant, and why not?
    Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Huw just waiting for him without involving the police or having really any plan whatsoever is just as silly.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Wain was joined by stars Ken Marino (who co-wrote the film), Zoey Deutch, John Slattery, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Ben Wang to reminisce about making their unapologetically silly comedy.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The mainframe cycle has returned, which is both remarkable and somewhat amusing in 2026.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Danish star Bang seems to having a grand time playing the I-want-it-all villain of the piece and is amusing to watch.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • For Guardiola to focus on lambasting Hallam was pretty pathetic, all told.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Marche feared that ChatGPT-3 meant the end of freshman composition papers, but that’s a pathetic and moribund genre anyhow.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ludicrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ludicrous. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on ludicrous

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!