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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The aim is to avoid exploding kitten cards by wielding a comical cast of cats with special powers. —

Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 3 Dec. 2024 Newsweek discussed the comical clip that has more than 3.6 million views and over 579,000 likes with pet expert Axel Lagercrantz. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 Zaillian, hewing to Patricia Highsmith’s novel, emphasized the sheer labor—often tedious, sometimes comical—involved in covering up a life of homicide and fraud. —

Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024 After a comical flash of Matty in a seersucker suit à la Andy Griffith’s OG Matlock, Matty woke up in bed alongside husband Edwin. —

Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for comical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for comical

Adjective

Hackett and Sales are an absolutely ridiculous guest cast and pairing, providing humorous intimidation and a hilarious runner in their recognition of Sam at the bar (Sam!).

Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 23 Dec. 2024
The plan was to show our charismatic side and humorous side at the same time, with an additional touch of Korean elements.

WWD, WWD, 23 Dec. 2024