Definition of comicalnext
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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

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 comical Later on that second hole, things turned comical when Garcia started carrying Rahm's bag while Rahm's caddie was tending to the bunker. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026 To his friends, the idea is comical. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026 For the Turkmen people, there was nothing comical about life under his dictatorship. David Remnick, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026 Grenier has partnered with Starbucks for a comical ad teasing his feelings about not reprising the role of Nate — the love interest of Anne Hathaway's budding journalist, Andy Sachs — in the upcoming Devil Wears Prada 2. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
Adjective
  • The enigmatic artist took credit for the work in a humorous video, posted to his Instagram page Thursday, which showed workers erecting the statue under the cover of night.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
  • Mortensen’s lawyer disagreed with that characterization and said many of the men on the TV show got lip tattoos of their partners’ names in a humorous scene that has not yet aired.
    Hannah Schoenbaum, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Where to Eat Dallas has been enjoying a booming restaurant scene of late, with elite newcomers arriving at borderline ridiculous speed.
    Jonathan Thompson, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026
  • Continue reading … ‘INSANE’ — Minnesota mayors drag 'ridiculous' bill penalizing cities for not flying new controversial flag.
    , FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • The satirical elements, the rhythm of the show, and the sparkling performances of our cast and guest stars have always had a comedic bent.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Taccone, similarly, clearly has the talent to make all kinds of interesting comedic movies, but seems in search of the best outlet.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Still absurd to the average person, but a far cry from what Biles paid.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
  • As paranoia festers and absurd regulations tighten their grip, suspicion replaces love, and truth itself begins to warp.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This leads us on an intimate, and at times funny, journey of self-discovery and missteps told in five chapters over the course of a critical year in Robin’s life.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2026
  • And there are some funny moments along the way, such as a scene in which Miranda tries to hang up her coat, having been told to stop throwing it at her assistants.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Not bad for a silly movie about killer worms from outer space.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 May 2026
  • The idea seemed silly at first — who would be interested in a bean box subscription?
    Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Heck, even co-creator Ed Boon pops up for a reasonably amusing cameo as a bartender.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
  • Smith’s involvement, though, is a bit more amusing.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • But as Notes from Underground progresses, his behavior turns from funny to pathetic to downright despicable.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Over pinwheeling synths, Mahesh inhabits her narrator’s misplaced longing with gooey, heart-eyed delusion and sweetly pathetic determination.
    Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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