Definition of ridiculousnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ridiculous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ridiculous are comical, comic, laughable, and ludicrous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility.

a ridiculous display of anger

When is comic a more appropriate choice than ridiculous?

The meanings of comic and ridiculous largely overlap; however, comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When is it sensible to use comical instead of ridiculous?

The synonyms comical and ridiculous are sometimes interchangeable, but comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When can laughable be used instead of ridiculous?

In some situations, the words laughable and ridiculous are roughly equivalent. However, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When would ludicrous be a good substitute for ridiculous?

Although the words ludicrous and ridiculous have much in common, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

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 ridiculous In short, this offense is ridiculous enough to overcome any pitching issues. Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 12 June 2026 England, by my estimation, landed in a tougher than normal group, especially given the size of this World Cup field, but the squad has ridiculous talent and is due for a major run given some recent disappointments. Kellis Robinett, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026 The crowded panorama of ticktocking boxes is ridiculous and charming and absolutely unforgettable in its slightly manic demonstration of Japanese hobbyism. Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026 The video is ridiculous by design. Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ridiculous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridiculous
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
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • The pyrotechnics, however, come from Amanda and Danielle, who get in one of those stupid fights that are only possible after a full day of drinking in a retro vehicle.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 June 2026
  • Yes, Ken really is this stupid.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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