COMICAL Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

comical

adjective

ˈkä-mi-kəl

Definition of comical next

as in humorous

causing or intended to cause laughter the comical antics of the circus clowns

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ridiculous

so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter the comical expression on his face when he realized that he had been swindled

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Their fluffy round bodies sit atop long, skinny legs, creating a comical appearance. —

Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2024 At the end of the comical clip, the West Coast veteran gets the last laugh. —

Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 Oct. 2024 Seated in Section 122, the 404 Crew will house the Hawks’ loudest and most rowdy fans, who will be integrated within the game presentation team to create chants and routines to inspire the players and comical taunts to distract the opponents. —

Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 18 Oct. 2024 Cuarón underlines Catherine’s comical overconfidence by cutting from her self-satisfied voicemail to Stephen’s furious, frozen stare. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for comical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical

Adjective

Reddit Reacts Reddit users were entertained by the cake's humorous message.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Others offered a more humorous take on the situation, with one writing that whether the couple picks the name for a child depends largely on what the name actually is.

Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024