COMIC Synonyms: 185 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

comic 1 of 2

noun

Definition of comic next

as in comedian

a person (as a writer) noted for or specializing in humor a well-known TV comic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in cartoon

a series of drawings that tell a story or part of a story posted an especially funny comic by the watercooler

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in humor

the amusing quality or element in something a celebrated humorist who, without fail, could find the comic in even the most mundane of situations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

comic

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adjective

ˈkä-mik

as in comedic

causing or intended to cause laughter a comic monologue about his misadventures as a first-time camper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

With his distinct style, business sense and comedy that’s been steadily consumed by the masses for over a quarter of a century, the comic has developed a fabulist folklore around his rise to fame akin to his favorite things outside of stand-up — videogames and professional wrestling. —

Nate Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025 Nikki Glaser is known for her scathing takedowns on Comedy Central’s roasts — but the comic says a joke at her expense — made by Pete Davidson — still stings. —

Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025

Adjective

The series has stayed family-friendly thanks to its educational setting, showcasing the comic talents of both its students and teachers. —

Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2025 The comic posts and memes have a simple explanation. —

Callum Booth, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for comic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic

Noun

But in his everyday style, the comedian is all about striking a balance: Americana with whimsy, streetwear with formalwear.

— Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2025
The comedian hopes the city and its population can all take some time to process, but understands his responsibility in bringing everyone together and helping people to move forward.

— Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025