risible

adjective

ˈri-zə-bəl How to pronounce risible (audio)
Definition of risiblenext
1
as in funny
causing or intended to cause laughter a risible comment that made the whole class laugh

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ridiculous
so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter the idea that people are meant to have wings is risible

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 risible The public language may seem risible, but that is only a surface-level thing. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2026 The risible ending lets down both actors, each of whom give it their all (especially Glusman) while the screenplay feels like there are chunks of character motivations and development tossed into the trash. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 4 July 2025 Kagame’s claims that the FDLR poses a threat to Rwanda are similarly risible. — Michela Wrong, Foreign Affairs, 13 Apr. 2023 Some individual justices have attempted to do so, but their explanations are often risible. — Ian Millhiser, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 See All Example Sentences for risible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for risible
  1. funny
  2. ridiculous
  3. humorous
  4. absurd
  5. comedic
  6. silly
  7. amusing
  8. pathetic
Adjective
  • Sarcasm is an interesting thing because it can be viewed by some people as funny and other people as hurtful.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • A little bit funny, a lot cheesy and completely, unabashedly earnest, her Liz is — like moms everywhere — at once a perfectly ordinary woman and the center of the universe.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of funny
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
Definition of ridiculous
Adjective
  • But the shop’s best humorous gesture is in the restroom, open to customers, who certainly want to grant a wish.
    — Sarah Moreno August 7, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026
  • From humorous and whimsical to elegant and calming, the choice is yours.
    — Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of humorous
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Mike Lindell, MyPillow CEO and amplifier of the most absurd of MAGA’s many election-denying claims, was defeated convincingly in his bid for the GOP nomination for governor.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Those black rectangles in Study for a Black Drawing are absurd attempts at the ideal void.
    — Aaron Fagan, Artforum, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of absurd
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
Definition of comedic
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
Definition of silly
Adjective
  • Sure, the Wah-Wah on-off throttle pedal can be amusing for a short while.
    — Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • This breed is a high-energy dog that's rascally, amusing and certainly vocal.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Definition of amusing
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
Definition of pathetic

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rise (to)
risible
rising
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Cite this Entry

“Risible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/risible. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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