1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ridiculous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ridiculous are comical, comic, laughable, and ludicrous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility.

a ridiculous display of anger

When is comic a more appropriate choice than ridiculous?

The meanings of comic and ridiculous largely overlap; however, comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When is it sensible to use comical instead of ridiculous?

The synonyms comical and ridiculous are sometimes interchangeable, but comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When can laughable be used instead of ridiculous?

In some situations, the words laughable and ridiculous are roughly equivalent. However, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When would ludicrous be a good substitute for ridiculous?

Although the words ludicrous and ridiculous have much in common, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

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 ridiculous And seeing Friendship with a bunch of strangers at [TIFF’s] midnight screening, everyone was in hysterics about all these ridiculous things. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025 The series was renewed for a second season earlier this month, and Franco has some ideas about where his ridiculous storyline could go next. Julia Moore, People.com, 23 May 2025 Bitcoin is back with a vengeance, hitting a new record above $111,000, as investors turn to the world’s largest cryptocurrency as defense against the ridiculous U.S. deficit. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 22 May 2025 Here are some takeaways: Depth charge, finally The Stars made it to the Western Conference final on the strength of Mikko Rantanen’s ridiculous two-week run and Jake Oettinger’s steady play in net. Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridiculous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridiculous
Adjective
  • One thing that’s been a challenge to satirists in the last 10 years is that reality has become so absurd, with the dumbest possible things happening every day, that there doesn’t always seem to be another level for satire to go to.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2025
  • Read it because existence is absurd, and laughter might be the most intelligent response available.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • That’s not to say the film isn’t funny or sweet, but that there is something much more profound and uncomfortable at its heart, and one that poses a tricky challenge for first-time filmmakers Johansson and Kamen.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
  • His translation recognizes, here and throughout, that the original is funny and compelling enough not to need elaborate explanation, even 60 years after its debut.
    Lily Meyer, The Dial, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • If a couple players on the Dodgers can make a silly comment, so can the owner of the Yankees.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • The idea of telling someone that a specific whiskey glass is the absolute best is silly, like trying to dictate the design of their wedding ring for them.
    Tom Mylan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • It is meant to be instructional, philosophical, informative, uplifting, and sometimes humorous.
    Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Galloway provides a perspective that’s at turns humorous and moving, giving new grads solid advice while entertaining them as well.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • What with weakened teams and consistently pathetic performances, their league form on both their parts has been pathetic enough to be termed a dereliction of duty.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • Take yesterday’s left hook out of nowhere by President Donald Trump, bragging about doing something that would bust even this pathetic budget.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • But of course, a past-his-prime comedic superstar wasn’t going to be the one to end Cena’s record-breaking 17th world title reign, no matter how bad Cena’s run as a heel has been thus far.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Those moments helped solidify Oblivion as an unintended comedic masterpiece.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • While there is something amusing about the sight of a bear climbing in like a person hitching a ride, the aftermath of a bear finding its way into your car is rarely a laughing matter.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
  • The vibrant 90-minute play that kicked off La Jolla Playhouse’s 2025-26 season on Thursday night, is filled with funny lines, dancing, amusing characters and the joyful celebration of life.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Her lessons are comical and their related excursions endearing: Santa Monica shares tips about different positions and offers pointers on incorporating toys.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
  • His Best Friend Still Shows Up Every Week to Watch Their Show Together (Exclusive) Noah had garbage day shirts and garbage toys, all of which were comical to Carrigan, as her husband, Noah's father, is a fireman.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 4 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ridiculous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridiculous. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ridiculous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!