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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 The video captures a comical back view of the woman, with the harness of the zipline appearing to fit tightly around her bum area. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025 Hunter’s obsession, which manifests in comical visions of his taunting conquistador ancestor, isn’t an especially sharp critique of the colonial legacy the whole swashbuckling adventure owes a debt to. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025 Rio wore a red bubble coat with the zipper wide open to show a gut and a comical number of chains hanging from his neck. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 14 Feb. 2025 During that Stoke side’s first season in the Premier League, 2008-09, the comical scene of Hull City goalkeeper Boaz Myhill intentionally booting the ball out for a corner instead of a throw-in summarised how badly teams wanted to avoid Delap hurling it into their box. Ahmed Walid, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
Adjective
  • The big picture: Parody accounts from Mount Rainier and Mount Hood are trading playful taunts and humorous one-upmanship, comparing body counts and jesting about whether size matters.
    Christine Clarridge, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Donkey provided comic relief, pathos and friendship to Shrek, with the film praised for its humorous twist on fairy-tale tropes.
    Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Ever since its first season in Maui, Mike White’s Emmy-winning Max series has poked not-so-subtle fun at the ridiculous expectations and bizarre social customs of the rich on vacation.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
  • With its heightened dramas, overdone Die Hard references, and ridiculous plot turns, Paradise is pretty preposterous yet asks us to consider it as a sophisticated prestige drama.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Adam Sandler Adam Sandler will always be known, first and foremost, for his comedic skills.
    Samantha Highfill, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2025
  • This marks O'Brien's first time hosting the prestigious event, bringing his signature comedic style to Hollywood's biggest night.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And next year, and for years to come, through trauma and joy, this seemingly absurd ritual is going to be here.
    Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
  • With his absurd hair and larger-than-life persona, Trump is a walking meme.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Even the guy who runs the garment shop is very funny.
    Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Spanning almost forty years from the 1980s to the present day, this ambitious series will cover the highs and lows of the brothers’ relationship, from them meeting as teenagers to their falling out as adults – with all the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry, and challenging moments along the way.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This will especially appeal to the silly preschoolers in the group!
    Amanda Rock, Parents, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Using medieval art as one resource, Ariès pointed out that children were often portrayed as miniature adults, without special attributes, such as plump features or silly behaviors, that might mark them as fundamentally different from their older counterparts.
    Anna Mae Duane, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But Schreck’s play is approachable, entertaining, amusing and thought-provoking.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Some comments on social media call the prank funny and amusing, while others condemned it as immature and gross.
    Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This is pathetic, as Russia would do everything in their power to interfere in that election.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
  • This character is just like me – funny and sad, tragic, pathetic and brave, emotionally available but all over the place.
    Stuart Miller, Orange County Register, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on comical

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