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Definition of comicalnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective comical differ from other similar words?

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

a comical hat

When is comic a more appropriate choice than comical?

Although the words comic and comical have much in common, comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When would laughable be a good substitute for comical?

The words laughable and comical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When is it sensible to use ludicrous instead of comical?

While in some cases nearly identical to comical, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

In what contexts can ridiculous take the place of comical?

The synonyms ridiculous and comical 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 comical Bernadine’s strain of Black feminine righteous indignation and disappointment was also distinct from the often comical ferocity of the Blaxploitation heroine. Niela Orr, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025 But this season, 20 points, once a comical attempt at upsetting the Chiefs, has become the threshold that teams need merely to compete. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Dec. 2025 LeBron James Downplays Injury Concerns When the Lakers took on the Phoenix Suns earlier this week, LeBron James addressed his most recent absence with a comical quote. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025 Belmont University's campus security has gone viral with a comical safety video about crossing the street. Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical
Adjective
  • Delhomme’s answer, by turns humorous and insightful, is worth listening to.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
  • These items feel sentimental and humorous (in an endearing, nostalgic way).
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • So the firings of Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and the Ravens’ Harbaugh have injected some juice into a Giants search that previously threatened to cast as wide and arbitrary a net as last year’s ridiculous Jets process.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The Olympics is a ridiculous mixture of hit-you-straight-in-the-feels origin stories and Greek god-level athletic prowess.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Adventurous cinephiles came to worship his enveloping dramas, and directors like Jim Jarmusch and Gus Van Sant were heavily influenced by his contemplative style and underappreciated deadpan comedic style.
    Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Vinnie Dakota and Balthazar Cavendish, voiced respectively by Povenmire and Marsh, provide some of the best comedic moments from the series.
    Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • After the first Roundtable, Survivor stalwart Rob Cesternino — perhaps clued in by Candiace’s absurd conga line ploy to get people out of the kitchen — sniffed out that a murder in plain sight could be happening.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Contrary to what many may think, the researchers found no correlation between a person’s level of education and their capacity to believe in absurd conspiracies.
    Joe Wilkins Published Jan 8, Futurism, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • To the contrary, though the film is frequently funny, Brewer takes their ambitions and reversals seriously.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Hockey is a funny game sometimes.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • To say the road to the Super Bowl goes through Jacksonville sounds silly in the NFL’s grand scheme, but for a talented and decorated Bills group that never has won there, that’s the first stop on the quest.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Citing the Monroe Doctrine is silly.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • His performance as president has been altogether different, and far less amusing.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • His performance as president has been altogether different, and far less amusing.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Add the pathetic reality that Illinois is the very definition of unfriendliness for business development and job creation, and the only thing Pritzker and his accomplices can campaign on is the vilification of Trump, facts be damned.
    Paul Miller, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
  • There are solutions to Joe Biden’s failing and pathetic attempts to raise money to build a presidential library.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 20 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comical. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on comical

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