1
as in funny
causing or intended to cause laughter
a risible comment that made the whole class laugh
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ridiculous
so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter
the idea that people are meant to have wings is risible
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of risible
His risible public statements, designed to draw a spectacle, can distract from any old-fashioned corruption happening behind the scenes.
—
Dylan Scott, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
And the objections of some clerics that driving would endanger Saudi women’s moral standing were risible, given that the alternative was for Saudi women to be driven by male drivers (either in taxis or in their families’ cars) who were not members of their families.
—F. Gregory Gause Iii, Foreign Affairs, 19 Mar. 2018
As for his foreign policy revisionism, the president’s boasts are risible.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
Most truly independent security professionals, however, will tell you that for most people, most of the time, the risk of falling victim to a juice-jacking attack is so low as to be almost risible.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for risible
Dylan Scott, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
And the objections of some clerics that driving would endanger Saudi women’s moral standing were risible, given that the alternative was for Saudi women to be driven by male drivers (either in taxis or in their families’ cars) who were not members of their families.
—F. Gregory Gause Iii, Foreign Affairs, 19 Mar. 2018
As for his foreign policy revisionism, the president’s boasts are risible.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
Most truly independent security professionals, however, will tell you that for most people, most of the time, the risk of falling victim to a juice-jacking attack is so low as to be almost risible.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for risible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for risible
Adjective
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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
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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
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The 30-year-old actor’s longevity is clearly due to his willingness to fully commit to his characters, no matter how ridiculous.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
27 May 2025
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As Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt looped a single over the infield and into short right, the sublime gave way to ridiculous.—
Denver Post,
Denver Post,
26 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
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Those moments helped solidify Oblivion as an unintended comedic masterpiece.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Read it because existence is absurd, and laughter might be the most intelligent response available.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
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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
Adjective
-
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
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It is meant to be instructional, philosophical, informative, uplifting, and sometimes humorous.—
Bob Carlson,
Forbes.com,
22 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 artwork is silly and exaggerated to capture youngsters’ attention.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
-
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Risible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/risible. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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