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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
  • There are enough quotable lines of dialogue in the movie’s first half to remind you why Succession was, pound for pound, one of the most profanely funny shows on TV during its run.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
  • Because to us, the most funny things are right next to the most tragic things.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • The 30-year-old actor’s longevity is clearly due to his willingness to fully commit to his characters, no matter how ridiculous.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 27 May 2025
  • As Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt looped a single over the infield and into short right, the sublime gave way to ridiculous.
    Denver Post, Denver Post, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • One thing that’s been a challenge to satirists in the last 10 years is that reality has become so absurd, with the dumbest possible things happening every day, that there doesn’t always seem to be another level for satire to go to.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2025
  • Read it because existence is absurd, and laughter might be the most intelligent response available.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Director Kingsley described how the project evolved from its comedic roots.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 June 2025
  • There was rain, lightning and some comedic reactions for the strange June weather Tuesday that disrupted the opening day of the Southern California regional baseball and softball playoffs.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 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
  • While there is something amusing about the sight of a bear climbing in like a person hitching a ride, the aftermath of a bear finding its way into your car is rarely a laughing matter.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
  • The vibrant 90-minute play that kicked off La Jolla Playhouse’s 2025-26 season on Thursday night, is filled with funny lines, dancing, amusing characters and the joyful celebration of life.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • If a couple players on the Dodgers can make a silly comment, so can the owner of the Yankees.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • The idea of telling someone that a specific whiskey glass is the absolute best is silly, like trying to dictate the design of their wedding ring for them.
    Tom Mylan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

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