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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 But far from being laughable, these behavioral stereotypes are the external manifestations of big internal shifts, many of them linked to the effects of fluctuating hormones on the brain. Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 21 May 2025 To characterize that as an attack on free speech is laughable. Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025 Meta's absurd claims that stealing everyone's person data is necessary for AI training is laughable. Emma Woollacott, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 The thought of putting cars in vending machines was laughable, and the story became a joke, along with its share price. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • Ramsey’s memoir is a moving, sometimes funny story about destruction, change and rebirth, told by a woman tempered by fire.
    Laurie Hertzel, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
  • Roman is my kind of Virgil—chatty, funny, forgiving, sharp.
    Marina Harss, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • For the purpose of the art of the deal, the threat of a universal tariff, currently at 10% but hypothetically due to rebound to the ridiculous reciprocal rates of 30% or 40% on key allies at the end of the 90-day pause in July, is a compelling one.
    Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
  • Friday night’s outcome came down to two ridiculous shots from distance that got past one of the best goalies in the NWSL.
    Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • In his feature debut, Dupont follows the two men with a sense of empathetic detachment and an appreciation for fine detail and humorous dialogue.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 June 2025
  • Popular posts might feature a photo with a humorous caption, an anonymous confession, or a detailed technical answer to a complex question.
    Dan Cody Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s the undercurrent of politics stirring animus between the neighbors, with Canadians angered by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and his absurd aside saying perhaps Canada should be the 51st U.S. state.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
  • The concept itself is absurd, given the modest park features.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Director Kingsley described how the project evolved from its comedic roots.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 June 2025
  • But where its genre predecessors were given 20-plus-episode first seasons to calibrate their characters’ quirks, nail down a consistent comedic tone, and get fans invested in the journey, Adults has no such luxury.
    Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Anyone who tells you different is a liar (and pathetic, and alone in life).
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2025
  • The politicized fantasy and horror films by Ryan Coogler and Jordan Peele are merely pathetic.
    Armond White, National Review, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The post prompted a chorus of amusing responses from commenters.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • Instruct large language model for a quick, amusing tutorial on how to solve a Rubik’s Cube.
    Dave Altavilla, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Alas, during one night siege (silly enough to not scare the little ones, even as the entire village repeatedly goes up in flames), Hiccup aims his weapon at the shape of a Night Fury (no one, we’re told repeatedly, as ever really seen one), shoots, and … what!
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 June 2025
  • Still, sometimes Forrest’s demands seemed nitpicky, silly even.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

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