Definition of ludicrousnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ludicrous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ludicrous are comical, comic, laughable, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When can comic be used instead of ludicrous?

While the synonyms comic and ludicrous are close in meaning, comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

Where would comical be a reasonable alternative to ludicrous?

In some situations, the words comical and ludicrous are roughly equivalent. However, comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When is laughable a more appropriate choice than ludicrous?

The meanings of laughable and ludicrous largely overlap; however, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When could ridiculous be used to replace ludicrous?

The synonyms ridiculous and ludicrous 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 ludicrous The idea of harming them, the evidence will show, is ludicrous. Matt Schooley, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026 Any comparisons to the World Series are ludicrous. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026 Respect for such a ludicrous idea. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026 The headliner for the Players tournament is ludicrous — literally. Ashley Ferrer, Florida Times-Union, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ludicrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ludicrous
Adjective
  • There’s a funny reason why the pain flares in your upper face and forehead, a bit of a distance from the area responsible for the cold.
    Julia Daye, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026
  • As funny as her life seems, like everyone's, serious moments pepper the comedy.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The meme may have been ridiculous, but Edward Hospital’s original goal — showing the public what robotic surgery could do — reached an audience far larger than a hospital marketing department could have planned for.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Villa’s ridiculous finishing hot streak ended abruptly, but their underlying numbers had also regressed during that time.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The abundance of light that Koestenbaum sheds on the rabbi is humorous, sure, but also humanistic.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The humorous contrast between his calm expression and his awkward position is what helped propel the clip across social media.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This series is inspired by the shocking and absurd true story of the suburban dentist who built a drug empire behind the façade of the American dream.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
  • To consider Karaban as anything but an abject success story is absurd.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Pickles frequently appear in comedic settings, from cartoon characters struggling with oversized jars to absurd internet memes celebrating the eccentricity of pickle enthusiasts.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In this darkly comedic action thriller from director Ben Wheatley (High-Rise, FFF 2016) and the writer of John Wick, Bob Odenkirk stars as a new sheriff whose simple assignment unravels after a botched robbery proves that everything in the quiet town of Normal, Minnesota, is anything but!
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The group never uses the word unless there is something silly going on.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
  • For Grabinski, what unites all of these projects is the fine art of creating a world that is emotionally smart yet deeply silly, fun, and expressive.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The surviving Cheetos, while amusing to viewers, stand as an odd visual amid an otherwise devastating event.
    Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
  • To some on Capitol Hill, the freewheeling is more frustrating than amusing.
    Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The politicians who shut down the government are pathetic on both sides of the aisle.
    Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
  • His Floyd constantly straddles the line between sweet and pathetic, often falling off one side or the other.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ludicrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ludicrous. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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