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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 That someone should be fired over it, that it's become this politicized and this weaponized, is not only ridiculous, but a little bit laughable. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025 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 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
  • Everyone was so nervous to tell Mike what our number was, which was so funny.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This hate against transgender people is so ridiculous.
    John Russell, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • To be fair, a lot of things are ridiculous these days.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 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
  • This whole exercise of proving the absence of antisemitism as a prerequisite to criticizing Israeli government policy is absurd.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Still, the sexist double standards around pockets have continued to be present in absurd ways.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But before things ended up in a fight, the atmosphere grew more animated when the comedic WWE faction Alpha Academy, whose members include Otis, Maxxine Dupri, and Akira Tozawa joined in on the scene to help out.
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • During a double-decker bus ride around the city, some friends get hit by tree branches and in select trailer scenes, tension turns into comedic relief.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hechinger is the perfect choice for the role, bringing just the right of optimism and obliviousness to an endearingly pathetic dork who finds the opportunity to be heroic.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Successful long ago, Shelley is no longer a selling Machine of any sort, and mostly just begs for a break in comically desperate appeals that ping-pong from belligerent to pathetic.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Six books offer readers armchair travel, amusing characters, and a dash of history.
    Yvonne Zipp, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Thankfully, in the case of Mark, the reality proved to be something much more amusing.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This strategy worked for him for about 10 years—and then began to bore him silly.
    Art Spiegelman, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Props to the people who green-lit Angry Birds to give kids a silly movie about infanticide.
    Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

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