COMICAL Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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

Q: When is 'comic' a more appropriate choice than 'comical'?

Although the words comic and comical have much in common, comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement. // a comic character

Q: When would 'laughable' be a good substitute for 'comical'?

The words laughable and comical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter. // laughable attempts at skating

Q: When is it sensible to use 'ludicrous' instead of 'comical'?

While in some cases nearly identical to comical , ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn. // a thriller with a ludicrous plot

Q: In what contexts can 'ridiculous' take the place of 'comical'?

The synonyms ridiculous and comical are sometimes interchangeable, but ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility. // a ridiculous display of anger

comical

adjective

ˈkä-mi-kəl

Definition of comical next

as in humorous

causing or intended to cause laughter the comical antics of the circus clowns

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ridiculous

so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter the comical expression on his face when he realized that he had been swindled

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective comical differ from other similar words?

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

a comical hat

When is comic a more appropriate choice than comical?

Although the words comic and comical have much in common, comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When would laughable be a good substitute for comical?

The words laughable and comical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When is it sensible to use ludicrous instead of comical?

While in some cases nearly identical to comical, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

In what contexts can ridiculous take the place of comical?

The synonyms ridiculous and comical are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 comical The comical characterizations are all finely crafted, while the songs are well sold and Kyle Weiler’s choreography gracefully executed. —

Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 25 Nov. 2024 Some comical highlights from the movie could be played bigger, including the tongue stuck to a flagpole and Ralphie wearing the bunny pajamas, but their impact is lessened here by being done too much at the back of the stage. —

Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Nov. 2024 Chargers Chargers take Jim Harbaugh’s sometimes comical words very seriously Oct. 25, 2024 Still, major colleges were slow to believe McConkey could be a legitimate prospect. —

Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 To a normal person outside of politics, that sounds comical. —

Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for comical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical

Adjective

Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, the beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a Red Ryder Air Rifle.

Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 11 Dec. 2024
And especially if the song comes from a musical comedy, then the lyrics are often humorous.

Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024