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 That prospect is completely laughable, as the most likely Republican nominee for the GOP will be Dan Cox. Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026 Sixteen years later, amid an almost laughable thirst in Hollywood for reboots and a million random ads for T-Mobile featuring Zach Braff and Donald Faison cashing in on nostalgia their most famous roles, ABC has decided to bring the show back. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026 Produced on a shoestring budget with effects that were laughable even at the time, the original BBC series nevertheless ran for an astonishing 26 seasons before an ongoing revival began in 2005. David Faris, TheWeek, 18 Feb. 2026 Ancient mosaics have been restored into laughable deformities of their previous selves. Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • Accidentally running face-first into your mom’s butt is funny, no matter your species.
    Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2026
  • At work, while reporting near a looming tornado, Clark meets Floyd (played with a touching, funny pathos by David Harbour), a sign-language interpreter.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The idea that Ethan will not learn from his first exposure to pro ball is ridiculous.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
  • But its premise never evolves enough to let loose in ridiculous fashion, yielding diminishing returns.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Butler went for a mix of serious and humorous in his statement on the pickup.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The two American stars, the reason for Hulu to be giving this one a push, are both very good, using their respective comic personae to humorous effect but not schtick.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The government thinks this is absurd.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The movie is also surreal, absurd and crowd-pleasingly funny.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Incorporating magical realism into the comedic and, at times, poignant overtones can be a tricky feat, but Devantez and company do it with great craft and care.
    Courtney Howard, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Adapted from a Norwegian-language film from director Tommy Wirkola, this movie needs a director who can smoothly shift from silly to sadistic within a single scene, and Jaccone’s broad comedic sensibilities aren’t up to the task.
    Katie Rife, IndieWire, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Astin sinks into his pathetic character with full commitment, but the running gag about Ron getting more upset about the possibility of being banned from the fast-food restaurant than anything else is hammered so relentlessly that the character just seems mentally challenged.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Of course, the notes turn out to mostly be about her as well as the principal (played by Gosling), detailing their most pathetic behaviors.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Featuring so many plugs for Chick-fil-A that one hopes the producers got a good product-placement fee or at least free catering for the film shoot, Plantman & Blondie might have been amusing enough as a brief sketch, although frankly even that’s doubtful.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 15 Mar. 2026
  • There was an amusing sequence in this game that got a rise out of the crowd.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Just cultivating and just feeding that division and those just absolute silly fights.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The point is not to sell her business, not to get more followers, not to create a cult of her own; the point is looking at interpersonal dynamics, getting into conflicts, resuming those conflicts, and then sometimes doing silly things after drinking too much rosé.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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