Definition of laughablenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective laughable differ from other similar words?

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

laughable attempts at skating

When might comic be a better fit than laughable?

The synonyms comic and laughable are sometimes interchangeable, but comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When could comical be used to replace laughable?

The words comical and laughable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

Where would ludicrous be a reasonable alternative to laughable?

In some situations, the words ludicrous and laughable are roughly equivalent. However, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When would ridiculous be a good substitute for laughable?

The meanings of ridiculous and laughable largely overlap; however, 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 laughable Besides the glowing green Riddler trophies, one of the game’s many other collectibles are audio tapes of therapists and doctors speaking with various asylum patients, and some of these conversations are downright laughable. Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 In this environment, the notion that any Pac-12 expansion candidate would prompt one of its media partners (CBS, The CW and USA Network) to offer enough revenue to satisfy current members approaches laughable. Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026 The idea that a low-wage worker can jeopardize proprietary information by taking a better job at the deli down the block would be laughable if the consequences were not so serious. Morris M. Kleiner, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026 When ChatGPT couldn’t reliably add and subtract, let alone search the web, the notion that AI programs would soon be able to do world-class machine-learning research seemed laughable. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • Other members of the cast contribute some sharp edges and moments that are legitimately funny.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
  • Someone’s losing their dignity, and that’s funny.
    Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • The image qua image thereby becomes uncanny, slapstick, a bit ridiculous, a bit horrific—independent of its content.
    Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026
  • What was ridiculous was the jump at that point in time was $4 [million], $4 [million] $15 or $16 million.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • The title is a humorous, literal reference to the late father’s large piece of bone left after cremation.
    Jenny S. Li, Variety, 12 June 2026
  • Their viral, humorous videos about his adventures in life and their father-daughter moments are followed by more than 3 million people.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Soon my entire feed was pugs and poodles and beagles and portmanteau blends with absurd names like golden doodle and cavapoo.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • Produced by Heavy Lifting Productions in association with 3 Arts Entertainment, Knighted follows a missing person’s case that spirals into an absurd documentary-style exploration of the sinister secrets lurking beneath the enchanting pageantry of a local medieval dinner theatre.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Oreo challenge is one of the episode’s comedic high points.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
  • The production is a deeply personal look at her life and career, inspired by her beloved grandmother, Freddie Mae Glover, and her lifelong dream of becoming a comedic performer like her idol, Carol Burnett.
    Staff Author, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Consider this pathetic phenomenon yet one more reason the American people — or, at least, Californians — should demand a more rational way to fund political campaigns.
    Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
  • After a truly pathetic opening half, the Knicks needed to give each and every row in MSG something to cheer about.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • This is amusing but understandable; in an era where commodity fetishism has turned analog, low-budget cinema into something aspirational, Jenkin has made no compromises for accessibility.
    Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 June 2026
  • Regal bontebok were replaced by stout warthogs, whose amusing visages quickly filled my camera roll.
    Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • From Valentino pig hoofs to Chanel half-sandals, our feeds are full of silly, outrageous and outright ugly footwear.
    Shane O’Neill, Washington Post, 12 June 2026
  • This 22-inch hopping ball has a silly face on it, available in blue or orange.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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