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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 However, Roger Goodell’s league could take some notes from the NHL on how to turn their current laughable Pro Bowl format into a compelling event. Steve Silverman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 But what could have become a laughable caricature in a lesser actor’s hands becomes an increasingly complex human being in Gillespie’s. Tomris Laffly, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025 The first supposedly scary obstacle on this trail was laughable. Laura Bradley, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2025 Its single most laughable choice is a high-key bonkers, low-key offensive twist that I am forbidden to reveal here. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laughable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • On her first series, the actress played the furry and funny Honk on the Kroffts’ Far Out Space Nuts, a character who spoke only in horn-like honks.
    Tom Tapp, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Welcome to My Blue Sky is twice as great — totally brash, always loud, always effusive, and usually funny even when their lives are falling apart, which is constantly.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This hate against transgender people is so ridiculous.
    John Russell, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • But just a few hours southeast of the city lived a 14-year-old named Flannery O’Connor, who thought the spectacle was ridiculous.
    Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The book often details in a humorous way how his upbringing affected his many relationships — both romantically and professionally.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Director Edgar Wright’s adaptation of the 1982 Stephen King novel (written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman) is a more stylish, grounded and even humorous take than the over-the-top 1987 movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger as the hero and Richard Dawson as a villainous TV show host.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • With stories of family chaos, missteps and her devoted dog Chunk, Chelsea hilariously tackles the world’s most absurd travel situations.
    Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Every major hospital show has confronted this tonal clash throughout its run; stalwarts such as ER and Grey’s Anatomy have depended on ever larger and more absurd set pieces (tank invasions, ferry disasters, helicopter crashes) to ratchet up the action.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Toxic Avenger comedic horror film directed by Macon Blair and starring Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), debuted at Fantastic Fest to critical acclaim (and a 92% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes).
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Her notable rivalries with stars like Mickie James, Melina, and Natalya, coupled with her involvement in the comedic Glamarella storyline with Santino Marella.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The image of the 77-year-old Green screaming and shaking his cane at the president was partly disturbing but mostly pathetic.
    Matthew Continetti, National Review, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Michael Gandolfini pops up as a slimy Fisk mayoral staffer who wouldn’t look out of place in this magazine’s recent cover featuring the new young right, and his playing both pathetic and vaguely sympathetic is very fun to watch.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Nothing would be more amusing than this saga continuing into the Final Four.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Nick’s fixation on Sawyer’s luxe truck was understandable and consistently amusing.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Moments that may seem silly or insignificant to others — like sharing a particular greeting, teasing each other in a familiar way or even speaking to each other in silly, baby-ish voices — can be great sources of comfort and familiarity for partners.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The industry has seen its fair share of terrible ideas, from the downright bizarre to the silly.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

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