1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ridiculous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ridiculous are comical, comic, laughable, and ludicrous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility.

a ridiculous display of anger

When is comic a more appropriate choice than ridiculous?

The meanings of comic and ridiculous largely overlap; however, comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When is it sensible to use comical instead of ridiculous?

The synonyms comical and ridiculous are sometimes interchangeable, but comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When can laughable be used instead of ridiculous?

In some situations, the words laughable and ridiculous are roughly equivalent. However, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When would ludicrous be a good substitute for ridiculous?

Although the words ludicrous and ridiculous have much in common, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

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 ridiculous The Crochet angle is completely ridiculous given that Boston cannot put together consistent starts behind him in the rotation. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 The duo’s previously-mentioned, fan-favorite smoked short rib pastrami croissant—indulgent, ridiculous, perfect—was a natural fit. Lela London, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Although Angelenos know this is ridiculous, the courts have, for now, sided with Trump that this deployment of troops on U.S. soil is within his power. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 After looking at this man for a moment or two, John remarked not on the smell or on the ridiculous Santa hat the man wore but on his hands. David Sedaris, New Yorker, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridiculous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridiculous
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
  • McGrath's older brother and two of her younger sisters described her as funny, sarcastic, full of life and so caring that the homeless in her neighborhood greeted her by name.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • Much like his character, Boyce is mild-mannered, kind and effortlessly funny.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 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
  • With stores across the state at one point, Vine had opened his first in 1950 and went on to become well-known across the state by appearing in his own silly but catchy commercials, sometimes with his wife.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • In her recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday, June 24, the actress shared a humorous story about her children's reaction to her mullet haircut for the film.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • This independent pilot offers a humorous yet heartfelt look at modern Black adulthood.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Nevertheless, the squad needs to shift strategies and Sonny is here to take them from pathetic to aggressive.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
  • Jarvis’ performance is transformative, making Mark both pathetic and feverishly alive, his corrosive remorse seemingly genuine.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Largely, comedic multi-hyphenates who have gone on to enduring careers in front of and behind the camera.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 June 2025
  • The comedic sci-fi film from Amazon MGM Studios follows Gosling, whose character makes a leap from unassuming teacher to an astronaut assigned to a risky space mission.
    Abigail Lee, Variety, 30 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
  • Not so fast, because in comical fashion, Derringer is stuck hanging from a tree, and Clarke has to climb it to help him out.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 June 2025
  • When the show won its sixth award of the night, for Best Comedy Series, Matheson and costar Ebon Moss-Bachrach shared a comical kiss.
    Avalon Hester, People.com, 26 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ridiculous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridiculous. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ridiculous

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!