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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 Never — that was just ridiculous. Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025 In James’ absence, the Lakers were led by Luka Dončić who had a ridiculous game with 43 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025 Blame the adults that make the decisions, that allow some of these ridiculous things to happen. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 Is anyone resisting this ridiculous trend? Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridiculous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridiculous
Adjective
  • The film’s ever-so-slightly absurd sincerity is nothing if not brazen.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Conceptions of world geography at the time were faulty to an almost absurd extent, Bergreen said.
    Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Kristen Bell and her husband Dax Shepard are known to be funny, but one joke has kept them in the public eye all week.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The film is also possibly Reichardt’s funniest thus far.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Go through a corn maze, sip on apple cider, and take silly pictures with the cardboard cutouts.
    Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
  • This separation keeps parents' Discover Weekly and Wrapped playlists clean from unexpected surprises like a sudden obsession with gaming soundtracks or silly meme songs.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite its morbid premise, the movie is lighthearted and humorous while exploring the relationship between families and their pets.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Barkov is the opposite of Tkachuk in personality, never the one with the humorous postgame quote or engaging TV soundbite.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Panthers’ defense was largely effective against a pathetic Jets offense, which could barely muster movement at home.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025
  • And Craig Waterman, the marketing executive from the 2024 film Friendship, took Robinson into new territory with a darker and more pathetic take on the same neurotic type.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • John was best known for playing comedic roles, like his iconic starring role as Jack Ripper in Three’s Company.
    Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Paired with a comedic audio, the clip has been liked by over 188,000 TikTok users, prompting an outpouring of amused comments on the platform.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Well, in some ways a lot of Dylan’s fakery of his own bio has always been very amusing.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Beyond the amusing jokes, Carlile’s point seems to be that Mitchell doesn’t need to be the world’s most flagrant empath to be one of its greatest healers.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Jets’ situation is so comical because Justin Fields lasted only six games as the Steelers’ starter last season.
    Jeff Howe, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The move is all the more comical when it's revealed that Jenner asks the question during All's Fair production, with Close and costar Niecy Nash watching nearby.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ridiculous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridiculous. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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