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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
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
Noun
  • Hall Syndicate signed him to a deal, and his cartoons began appearing all over the U.S. Feiffer had become an important voice in the day’s events.
    Chris Koseluk, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Research by political scientist Robert Putnam, referenced in the Netflix documentary Join or Die—named after Franklin’s famous 1754 segmented snake cartoon—shows that civic engagement—whether through joining a club or participating in community organizations—builds trust and strengthens democracy.
    Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • But in their performance Scott and Seth Avett find the humor and simpatico interest in the song.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Publicize your acknowledgment of wrongdoing in a way that feels authentic to your brand and the scale of the misstep—and, if appropriate, a bit of self-deprecating humor often helps.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The British queen won fan affection and RuPaul's admiration for her stunning looks on the runway and comedic prowess, including a fan-favorite Snatch Game impersonation of U.S. President Donald Trump.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 24 Jan. 2025
  • But the visual jokes are dense and the look works for the setting and comedic ethos, reflecting the junky tourist-trap aesthetic that Mumolo and Wiig celebrate.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • But this time around the organization took a deeper dive into the technology’s effectiveness via multiple evaluations with an adult dummy wearing all-black clothing, and both all-white and all-black attire that incorporated reflective strips similar to those used by roadway construction workers.
    Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The order reversed a 2022 city policy that expanded pedestrian and micro-mobility access on South Beach's famed tourist strip, while restricting car traffic and parking.
    Martin Vassolo, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The film takes viewers through her journey, filled with humorous and heartfelt moments, from open mic nights at comedy clubs to glamorous charity events, all set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The Acid Comedy of Thomas Schütte: In a MoMA retrospective filled with humorous angst, the German sculptor offers a prime 2025 resolution: Don’t run from failure.
    Laurel Graeber, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Ukrainians have knocked out at least two BTR-D funnies since November.
    David Axe, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • At times laugh-out-loud funny, the film explores the effects Johnson’s journey has had on his life and those around him, including Johnson’s father and teenage son.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The original did air on NBC, which could rebuild a comedy block to try to bring back Must-See TV.
    Emily Longeretta, Variety, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Tim Lammers For example, SPE’s summer action comedy smash Bad Boys: Ride or Die opened in theaters on June 7 PVOD and arrived on PVOD about six weeks later, on July 23.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near comic

Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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