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

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 laughable The posts would be laughable if they weren’t taken by many people as gospel. —

Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2024 There are flights between Aguascalientes and Zacatecas, a laughable 20-minute flight, just to avoid the roads. —

Eduardo García, San Antonio Express-News, 30 Sep. 2024 The ending of Night Country was cringe-inducing and laughable. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 In the past, that concept ranged from challenging to laughable. —

Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for laughable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable

Adjective

This simultaneously funny and profound musical spins around a teenage girl (the lovable Carolee Carmello) suffering from a rare genetic disease that makes her age five times faster than normal.

Karen D'Souza, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
The jokes just aren’t funny enough — though there is one killer line about Shehzada, which was one of Aaryan’s major flops — and the scares aren’t terrifying enough.

Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024