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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 Naturally then, we were treated in his Sunday night pardon announcement to the laughable claim that Hunter was singled out for prosecution (by Biden’s own DOJ!) because of politics. The Editors, National Review, 2 Dec. 2024 Today, pillow fighting has moved from the bedroom to the ring, from a laughable childhood pastime to a serious arena sport with its own sanctioning body, the Pillow Fighting Championship. Candace Oehler, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024 After all, the idea of a decentralized computing platform seemed laughable just a few years ago, yet Ethereum’s growth has proven the skeptics wrong. Christian Catalini, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Christians represent a large and powerful majority of the U.S. population, making any claims that Christians are being persecuted in this country laughable. Donovan McAbee, TIME, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for laughable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable
Adjective
  • An Instax camera snaps photos throughout the night, the shots progressively funnier the more nog is consumed.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Crandell, the Harvard physiatrist, is a funny, brainy, and upbeat clinician who treats people with amputations in the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, a building overlooking Boston Harbor.
    Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Injury updates The revolving door in John Worley’s training room has spun at a ridiculous pace lately.
    Michael Russo, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Gibson spends most of the premiere in a ridiculous wig of surfer curls; by the end, he’s got Hall’s haircut, and his inner monologue sounds suspiciously like his predecessor.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, the beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a Red Ryder Air Rifle.
    Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 11 Dec. 2024
  • And especially if the song comes from a musical comedy, then the lyrics are often humorous.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But the series, like the film, shows that vampires are also multidimensional — vulnerable, emotional, funny, absurd — and completely out of place in the modern world.
    Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Photo: Their lives often appear dramatic and borderline absurd.
    Daisy Jones, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Green should win the title and use her reign as champion to morph into a slightly more serious and less comedic character.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • And in Annie's climax, delivers one of the biggest comedic moments in the show with an off-handed remark to Mark Woodard's FDR.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Tucker Carlson's Fox News replacement:Jesse Watters is perfectly pathetic These 3 Arizona spots were ranked among top US dive bars for food.
    Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The over is the obvious bet here given the pathetic state of both defenses.
    Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Other videos don’t end so super—with a range of different crashes resulting, which may seem amusing to watch.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Additional viewers found the segment to be amusing, with several enjoying the Port Authority joke.
    Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Packed with silly hijinks, this 2004 comedy also stars Kristin Chenoweth and Kristin Davis.
    Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Staff take part in silly skits and showcase rare albums that have not been digitized from the station's giant record collection.
    Meira Gebel, Axios, 16 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near laughable

Cite this Entry

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on laughable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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