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comic

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective comic differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comic are comical, laughable, ludicrous, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When can comical be used instead of comic?

The words comical and comic can be used in similar contexts, but comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When is it sensible to use laughable instead of comic?

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

laughable attempts at skating

When could ludicrous be used to replace comic?

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

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When might ridiculous be a better fit than comic?

While in some cases nearly identical to comic, 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 comic
Noun
Paul Ben-Victor (Nobody Wants This) is set for a key recurring role opposite Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in HBO’s upcoming drama series Lanterns, based on the Green Lantern DC comic. Denise Petski, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2025 Who's an Italian comic from Italy, one of my best friends. Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Although Hulu’s Emmy-winning comic mystery is the ultimate New York tale, its Season 4 opener sent its crime-solving lead trio to Tinseltown to pursue a movie adaptation of their popular podcast. Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025 Downey was ascending to superstardom at this time thanks to Iron Man, and Sherlock Holmes landed at the perfect time, showing off his muscular physique and sharp comic timing. Will Leitch, Vulture, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • Shortly after Reubens’ death, former costars and fellow comedians shared their condolences and memories of the star.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • The comedian opened up about his reaction to the Saturday Night Live season 50 finale.
    James Factora, Them., 23 May 2025
Noun
  • A couple of clicks on a laptop later, and an artificial intelligence tool synced Mr. Peck’s voice with a cartoon pirate’s mouth movements.
    Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Hollywood as a city where humans and cartoons uneasily coexist—most notably in the segregated Toontown.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Sarkar writes with sharp humor and clarity, making complex ideas about power, identity and media feel accessible without dumbing them down.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • There’s a lot of humor to be found on screen between the two of them.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 27 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
  • That role expanded, however, giving Kravitz a chance to lean into a big comedic part.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The next images that appear depict three sequential viewpoints, suggesting the frames of a film strip, of a baby’s crowning head.
    Jessica Simmons-Reid, Artforum, 1 June 2025
  • Do people have access to the basics – food, medical care and water – in the south of the strip?
    Sarah-Grace Mankarious, CNN Money, 31 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
  • It is meant to be instructional, philosophical, informative, uplifting, and sometimes humorous.
    Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Star Toomey Age: 28 Hometown: Monrovia, Liberia Current residence: Augusta, Ga. Occupation: Sales expert Three words to describe you: Hilarious, smooth, laugh-out-loud funny.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2025
  • The Ukrainians have knocked out at least two BTR-D funnies since November.
    David Axe, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Emmy-winning comedy has been renewed for a fifth season.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 30 May 2025
  • In the early 2000s, Brand was a rising star in the United Kingdom's comedy and media scene, working for the BBC and MTV.
    Lauren Frayer, NPR, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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