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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 Their ground ball defensive multiplier is a laughable 124.2, with 1B Nathaniel Lowe the primary offender. Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 And the idea that Anaheim might be a tourist destination was laughable. Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 13 July 2025 Legal experts derided the lawsuit as frivolous and laughable, and CBS defended the newsmagazine and its editorial judgment on First Amendment grounds. Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 30 June 2025 While significant damage was no doubt achieved, total obliteration is totally laughable. Sonam Sheth gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • Scattered Thoughts: The digs at 30 Seconds To Mars were funny and telling.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Ramirez described Flores as a humble, funny and caring person.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Drawing such conclusions from two, admittedly sparkling, performances is ridiculous.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • No Other Choice blends mismatched tones and genre hallmarks in a way that’s typical for Park and yet remains invigorating, leading to a ridiculous look at what happens when the system pushes a person to the very edge of desperation.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The film, written by Tony McNamara (The Favourite, The Great) and directed by Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, Bombshell), also comments on the observation that Brits are inherently better at insulting each other in a way that feels humorous or light-hearted as opposed to just outright cruel.
    EW.com, EW.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • For example, Cleese shares the humorous anecdote about a professor who dedicated himself later in life to learning how to swim.
    Tim Maurer, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • My point wasn’t that men have had a harder time than women — that would be absurd.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Given the already substantial spend on incoming transfers, suggesting the club needs more, possibly sending its spending past the $500 million mark, seems absurd, almost greedy.
    James Nalton, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Sony Pictures Television have extended the options on several key cast members of its upcoming Netflix comedic coming-of-age drama Boots, Deadline has learned.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Splitsville, in fact, is just one of a handful of recent movies that use romantic commitment as a source of terror, comedic discomfort, or both.
    Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Two things were completely predictable after Donald Trump’s pathetic stunt, packing the streets of Washington, DC, with National Guard members and federal agents, allegedly to combat crime.
    Chris Brennan, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • How petty and pathetic and thin-skinned could this administration get?
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Many years have passed, and when the three return home for their mother’s third wedding, each sister is dysfunctional in her own distinct, often amusing way.
    Gracie Wiener, Air Mail, 16 Aug. 2025
  • One of the people who took notice of Sanders' standout performance was Browns general manager Andrew Berry, who congratulated the rookie on his NFL debut and shared an amusing exchange with him in the process.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Alcaraz and Sinner are early enough in their careers that debates around their legacies feel silly.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Evans described Steve as goofy, silly, and full of charm, with a love for food and people alike.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

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