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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 The idea that people like him, JD Vance, Marco Rubio, or Stephen Miller are calling the shots is laughable. Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025 At the start of this season, the thought of one more year would have been laughable. Sam Blum, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025 Yet after the 90+ minutes of action on Sunday, that idea seems simply laughable. Adam Digby, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 That someone should be fired over it, that it's become this politicized and this weaponized, is not only ridiculous, but a little bit laughable. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • And makes a funny joke about giving Glenn Close an Oscar.
    Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • His being handsome, funny and not known for comedy was a real asset.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This hate against transgender people is so ridiculous.
    John Russell, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • But just a few hours southeast of the city lived a 14-year-old named Flannery O’Connor, who thought the spectacle was ridiculous.
    Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The off-beat ads and humorous posters have only stoked fan conversation about what, exactly, this project is and what on earth is going on with the asterisk in the title.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Early implementations have experienced technical glitches, such as those occasionally seen in MLB's 3D broadcasts, which sometimes led to humorous but unintended visual effects.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This whole exercise of proving the absence of antisemitism as a prerequisite to criticizing Israeli government policy is absurd.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Still, the sexist double standards around pockets have continued to be present in absurd ways.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • During a double-decker bus ride around the city, some friends get hit by tree branches and in select trailer scenes, tension turns into comedic relief.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But before things ended up in a fight, the atmosphere grew more animated when the comedic WWE faction Alpha Academy, whose members include Otis, Maxxine Dupri, and Akira Tozawa joined in on the scene to help out.
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Read more The pathetic, slow-motion downfall of Barack Obama Houseguests and fish begin to smell after three days, as the saying goes.
    Aris Folley, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Writing the most unbridled, impolite, unreasonable, pathetic rant that gives voice to unseen, unheard parts of you opens a relief valve that transfers emotional pain onto the page.
    Jessica DuLong, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Six books offer readers armchair travel, amusing characters, and a dash of history.
    Yvonne Zipp, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Thankfully, in the case of Mark, the reality proved to be something much more amusing.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This strategy worked for him for about 10 years—and then began to bore him silly.
    Art Spiegelman, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Props to the people who green-lit Angry Birds to give kids a silly movie about infanticide.
    Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

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