Definition of ludicrousnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ludicrous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ludicrous are comical, comic, laughable, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When can comic be used instead of ludicrous?

While the synonyms comic and ludicrous are close in meaning, comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

Where would comical be a reasonable alternative to ludicrous?

In some situations, the words comical and ludicrous are roughly equivalent. However, comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When is laughable a more appropriate choice than ludicrous?

The meanings of laughable and ludicrous largely overlap; however, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When could ridiculous be used to replace ludicrous?

The synonyms ridiculous and ludicrous 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 ludicrous Respect for such a ludicrous idea. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026 That could also explain his ludicrous ability to resist weapon fire. Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2026 Elordi is passable in his grungy younger iteration and ludicrous as the adult Heathcliff, back from his glow-up like a looksmaxxing skincare influencer wearing a cunty little earring. Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026 And now, a new gambling game called Rush Hour CCTV on the crypto casino platform Roobet is taking the phenomenon to an even more ludicrous conclusion. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ludicrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ludicrous
Adjective
  • Why the Vaping Squirrels Trend Is Dangerous The viral clips might look funny, but the reality is far less cute.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The explanation is kind of funny, but also very much a seasonal sign of renewal on the barrier islands.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The meme may have been ridiculous, but Edward Hospital’s original goal — showing the public what robotic surgery could do — reached an audience far larger than a hospital marketing department could have planned for.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Villa’s ridiculous finishing hot streak ended abruptly, but their underlying numbers had also regressed during that time.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In the early 1990s, Stuart Smalley's humorous affirmations on SNL highlighted the power of self-coaching, a concept supported by psychologist Ethan Kross, who suggests that addressing oneself in the second person can alleviate anxiety and improve problem-solving by fostering a broader perspective.
    Big Think, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The unexpected may have a humorous twist.
    Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Which is an absurd list of options for a kid who barely played high school ball.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The question of whether California should abolish property taxes almost seems absurd.
    Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Pickles frequently appear in comedic settings, from cartoon characters struggling with oversized jars to absurd internet memes celebrating the eccentricity of pickle enthusiasts.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In this darkly comedic action thriller from director Ben Wheatley (High-Rise, FFF 2016) and the writer of John Wick, Bob Odenkirk stars as a new sheriff whose simple assignment unravels after a botched robbery proves that everything in the quiet town of Normal, Minnesota, is anything but!
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • And the hour-long results that premiere on the platform Friday are a mix of the cerebral and silly that audiences have come to expect from the Problemista filmmaker and former Saturday Night Live writer.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Now, though, to look only at coaches with UNC already on their resume would be silly.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The surviving Cheetos, while amusing to viewers, stand as an odd visual amid an otherwise devastating event.
    Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
  • To some on Capitol Hill, the freewheeling is more frustrating than amusing.
    Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The politicians who shut down the government are pathetic on both sides of the aisle.
    Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
  • His Floyd constantly straddles the line between sweet and pathetic, often falling off one side or the other.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ludicrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ludicrous. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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