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

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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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of comical There were many comical costumes and some pretty ones. —

Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Fans likely remember Kelce's comical presidential podium stunt in 2023, in which his teammate Patrick Mahomes kept him from getting tased by the Secret Service. —

Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025 As the comical and poignant episodes in the life of Michael Scott show, while good intentions are undoubtedly important, effective leadership requires adaptability, self-awareness and a focus on empowering others. —

Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 On Americans and the presidency; Trump, Hegseth, and NATO; a comical case of wokery; the late Stephan Thernstrom; and more In recent days, I have been reminded of the presidential election of 1992 — particularly the general-election debates. —

Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for comical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical

Adjective

But if the feedback from the audience is any indication, this sometimes humorous and always emotional generational family tale will one day have a real opening night.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
White sprinkles in archival footage exploring the couple’s trajectory and Gibson’s career, but his subjects’ raw, often humorous testimonies—about mortality, sexuality, and gender identity—are most illuminating.

— David Sims, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025