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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 Other pages of the menu are comical and sometimes a turnoff with graphic sketches of rattlesnake, kangaroo and buffalo, calling attention to dishes made with these unfortunate species. Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 The comical timing of his dismissal saw Fluminense left without a coach before many other teams had even started their first league game. Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025 As Cortes left the mound, Yankees fans responded with a comical standing ovation. Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025 Their videos about married life and young parenthood vary between comical skits and honest reflections. Abby Howard, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
Adjective
  • The off-beat ads and humorous posters have only stoked fan conversation about what, exactly, this project is and what on earth is going on with the asterisk in the title.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Early implementations have experienced technical glitches, such as those occasionally seen in MLB's 3D broadcasts, which sometimes led to humorous but unintended visual effects.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But while the Gemstones themselves have embraced Kelvin and his coming out, the rest of the world — particularly rival preacher Vance Simkins (Stephen Dorff), Kelvin’s competition for the ridiculous title of Top Christ-Following Man — is more critical.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
  • In the video, Colbert and Cumming embody billionaires, with the lyrics taking aim at the ridiculous obsessions of the wealthy.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Daredevil: Born Again shockingly began with the death of the esteemed, comedic lawyer Foggy Nelson, Matt Murdock’s best friend and business partner from the original 2015 Daredevil series.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • And there are her collaborations with Poehler, this latest one a comedic homage to their 30-year friendship.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Quarterly reports delayed by years would be absurd.
    Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • While that isn't anywhere close to of being traded 10 times, being traded in four straight seasons is quite absurd.
    Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His being handsome, funny and not known for comedy was a real asset.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • And makes a funny joke about giving Glenn Close an Oscar.
    Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But silly things like feelings and mental health don't matter to rebellion leader Luthen (Stellan Skarsgård), who wants results at any cost.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • This is one where the visual spectacle and weird fourth-wall-breaking sections stand head and shoulders above everything else, making for an extremely memorable adventure that embraces the silly side of Doctor Who.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Also amusing is Fiona Glascott as Lady Violet, an old acquaintance of Sherlock’s who specializes officially in schooling young ladies like Clara to join British high society and unofficially in casting her imperious judgment everywhere.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And while the vision of Young, a vigorous 70 in his trademark schoolboy shorts, tie, crew socks and black shoes, is always amusing, there was nothing but serious respect for his finger-blistering playing.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Read more The pathetic, slow-motion downfall of Barack Obama Houseguests and fish begin to smell after three days, as the saying goes.
    Aris Folley, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Writing the most unbridled, impolite, unreasonable, pathetic rant that gives voice to unseen, unheard parts of you opens a relief valve that transfers emotional pain onto the page.
    Jessica DuLong, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

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