COMIC Synonyms: 185 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'comic' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comic are comical , laughable , ludicrous , and ridiculous . While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement. // a comic character

Q: When can 'comical' be used instead of 'comic'?

The words comical and comic can be used in similar contexts, but comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity. // a comical hat

Q: When is it sensible to use 'laughable' instead of 'comic'?

In some situations, the words laughable and comic are roughly equivalent. However, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter. // laughable attempts at skating

Q: When could 'ludicrous' be used to replace 'comic'?

Although the words ludicrous and comic have much in common, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn. // a thriller with a ludicrous plot

Q: When might 'ridiculous' be a better fit than 'comic'?

While in some cases nearly identical to comic , ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility. // a ridiculous display of anger

comic 1 of 2

noun

Definition of comic next

as in comedian

a person (as a writer) noted for or specializing in humor a well-known TV comic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in cartoon

a series of drawings that tell a story or part of a story posted an especially funny comic by the watercooler

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in humor

the amusing quality or element in something a celebrated humorist who, without fail, could find the comic in even the most mundane of situations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

comic

2 of 2

adjective

ˈkä-mik

as in comedic

causing or intended to cause laughter a comic monologue about his misadventures as a first-time camper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective comic differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comic are comical, laughable, ludicrous, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When can comical be used instead of comic?

The words comical and comic can be used in similar contexts, but comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When is it sensible to use laughable instead of comic?

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

laughable attempts at skating

When could ludicrous be used to replace comic?

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

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When might ridiculous be a better fit than comic?

While in some cases nearly identical to comic, ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility.

a ridiculous display of anger

Examples 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 comic

Noun

Just because the work in the sketchbook isn’t intended to be as coherent and complete as a published comic doesn’t make Ware’s writing any less integral to his overall vision. —

Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 Working as a comic for nearly three decades, he’s also put out two specials for Comedy Central. —

Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024

Adjective

Often, the effect is comic, particularly with over-the-top violence and gore. —

Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024 Stylistically, Universal Language is located somewhere between the poetic realism of Iranian New Wave cinema — think Children of Heaven, The White Balloon, and Close-Up — and the surreal comic sensibilities of Rankin’s fellow Winnipeg filmmaker Guy Maddin (The Saddest Music in the World, Rumours). —

Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for comic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic

Noun

Ellen DeGeneres Looks Back on Her Many Memories with Stephen 'tWitch' Boss 1 Year After His Death: 'Miss Him So Much' In September, the comedian remembered tWitch on his would-be 42nd birthday.

Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
The 42-year-old comedian appeared on the Wednesday, December 11, episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and shared insight into life with his and Olivia Munn's two kids: son Malcolm, 3, and daughter Meimei, 3 months.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024