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comic

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective comic differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comic are comical, laughable, ludicrous, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When can comical be used instead of comic?

The words comical and comic can be used in similar contexts, but comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When is it sensible to use laughable instead of comic?

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

laughable attempts at skating

When could ludicrous be used to replace comic?

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

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When might ridiculous be a better fit than comic?

While in some cases nearly identical to comic, 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 comic
Noun
Dan Aykroyd, who provided editorial oversight and wrote a foreword for the graphic novel, spoke highly of the comic, which Felipe Sobriero illustrated, in a statement. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025 This week’s comic comes to us courtesy of Arantza Peña Popo. Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Adjective
Southern comic Dusty Slay has inked a deal for Netflix to debut Wet Heat, his second special for the service in two years, on the heels of 2024’s Workin’ Man, which will premiere on July 29. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 June 2025 The teaser first airs on on the season 2 finale of The Walking Dead: Dead City, yet another spinoff of the prolific post-apocalyptic series adapted by Frank Darabont from the comic series by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • For Stalter, a stand-up comedian who became a go-to scene stealer on Hacks, Too Much proved to be an unexpected gift from Dunham, who wrote the female protagonist with Stalter’s voice in mind after discovering her videos on TikTok.
    Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 12 July 2025
  • If nothing else, the comedians remain united by a common goal.
    Daniel Brown, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Billboard is 'just too valuable' to sell, owner says The political cartoon is just the latest political critique that Fiorito, who is based in California, has leveled by way of the Phoenix billboard.
    Laura Gersony, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
  • The idea was inspired by 1945's Anchors Away, in which Kelly danced with Jerry Mouse from the beloved cartoon Tom and Jerry.
    Rachel Flynn, People.com, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • After all the fussing and fidgeting exerted in trying to nail just the right mix of comic book action, comedy and pathos, the movie emerges as a tone-deaf mishmash of underdeveloped characters, half-baked humor and unhatched plotting drenched in CGI overkill.
    Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 12 July 2025
  • Clarkson delivered with her trademark blend of down-to-Earth humor and out-of-this-world vocals.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • What should be a milestone celebration quickly escalates into a comedic family reunion — this time with a musical twist.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • As events unfolded in real time, an extensive roster of AI icons began to drive what would become this comedic thriller.
    Martine Paris, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Options include aluminum strips, shiny streamers, and old CDs.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
  • Use soft ties like twine or Velcro strips to secure the stem to the stake.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Mister Terrific, who is not a humorous man but is very funny because of it, gets very huffy over Superman’s jibes and storms off.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Others saw it as a humorous, if unsettling, glimpse into how AI is increasingly embedded in corporate communications.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • There’s something about his ability to be both hypersensitive and judgmental, ambitious and full of self-doubt, dark and laugh-out-loud funny that has influenced my writing and thinking.
    Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 20 June 2025
  • Loosely inspired by Skinner’s own experience, the eight-episode series strikes a difficult balance tonally, from laugh-out-loud funny to poignant to incredibly embarrassing and everything in between.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Appearances by Amy Poehler, Will Arnett and Craig T. Nelson allow Blades of Glory to thrive like few 2000s comedies could.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
  • Gale and Zemeckis were nominated for a Best Original Screenplay Oscar for the film — a win in itself considering how popular sci-fi and comedy are both usually ignored by the Academy.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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