LAUGHABLE Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'laughable' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of laughable are comical , comic , ludicrous , and ridiculous . While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter. // laughable attempts at skating

Q: When might 'comic' be a better fit than 'laughable'?

The synonyms comic and laughable are sometimes interchangeable, but comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement. // a comic character

Q: When could 'comical' be used to replace 'laughable'?

The words comical and laughable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity. // a comical hat

Q: Where would 'ludicrous' be a reasonable alternative to 'laughable'?

In some situations, the words ludicrous and laughable are roughly equivalent. However, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn. // a thriller with a ludicrous plot

Q: When would 'ridiculous' be a good substitute for 'laughable'?

The meanings of ridiculous and laughable largely overlap; however, ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility. // a ridiculous display of anger

laughable

adjective

ˈla-fə-bəl

Definition of laughable next

as in funny

causing or intended to cause laughter the laughable, boisterous 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 it was simply laughable to see this middle-aged, hopelessly square candidate trying to appear young and hip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective laughable differ from other similar words?

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

laughable attempts at skating

When might comic be a better fit than laughable?

The synonyms comic and laughable are sometimes interchangeable, but comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When could comical be used to replace laughable?

The words comical and laughable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

Where would ludicrous be a reasonable alternative to laughable?

In some situations, the words ludicrous and laughable are roughly equivalent. However, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When would ridiculous be a good substitute for laughable?

The meanings of ridiculous and laughable largely overlap; however, 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 laughable That would have been laughable only a couple of months ago with Houston being a must have in any break connected to a Stroud rookie card. —

Larry Holder, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 But raising starting wages from $13 to $21 is laughable. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 The key to the Max series’ success has been evolving the dynamic between its protagonists — a legendary Las Vegas comedian played by Jean Smart and her twentysomething writing partner played by Hannah Einbinder — while handing its peripheral characters substantial, but often laughable, storylines. —

Elaina Patton, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024 During the show’s production press conference held in November, actor Ju Ji-hoon shared that out of all the characters he’s played, the role of Seok Ji-won was the most laughable. —

Regina Kim, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for laughable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable

Adjective

The scene perfectly captures the absurdity of Toya throwing a party for her first Birkin—made even funnier by the group’s collective indifference.

— Shelby Stewart, Essence, 20 Jan. 2025
Here is a clip of Roy Keane saying something funny about Tranmere.

— Rory Smith, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025