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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective comical differ from other similar words?

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

a comical hat

When is comic a more appropriate choice than comical?

Although the words comic and comical have much in common, comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When would laughable be a good substitute for comical?

The words laughable and comical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When is it sensible to use ludicrous instead of comical?

While in some cases nearly identical to comical, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

In what contexts can ridiculous take the place of comical?

The synonyms ridiculous and comical 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 comical In 1986, Mahaffey appeared in the six-hour comical miniseries Fresno opposite Carol Burnett and in the dramatic film Women of Valor, which followed a group of women in the Philippines during World War II. Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 The Plastered Owl - Named for a comical celestial owl, this whimsical bar serves up the coldest beers from the tap of the ancient tree at the tavern's center. Samantha Neely, USA Today, 23 May 2025 The clip includes three portraits related to his career, and a particularly comical piece where he is painted as Napoleon, but with an iPad in his hand. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 The unintentionally comical effect of that interview created an impression of a young player whose head was tethered to his shoulders with less than customary tightness. Tom Williams, New York Times, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
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
  • And finally… As bad as some teams are, the rule that every club must be represented at the All-Star Game borders on ridiculous.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Even for a show that’s famous for its silliness, this is a ridiculous storyline.
    Judy Berman, Time, 20 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
  • 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
  • There’s definitely something funny going on with the Universe.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 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
  • The director relishes delivering more of the brutal horror sequences that were the first film’s hallmark, but unlike 28 Days Later’s tight, suffocating narrative, here the story is more sprawling — and a whole lot sillier.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on comical

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