LAUGHABLE Synonyms: 157 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

as in funny

causing or intended to cause laughter the laughable, boisterous antics of the circus clowns

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 March 13, 2026 For Gen Z neophytes and hardcore fans overseas (South Asian and Nigerian Mike zealots apparently have a lot to say on the matter), the idea of MJ/Prince ever being a rivalry is laughable. — Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026 Frustrated at the lack of evidence and feeling the heat of the gutter press, their determination to hone in on their sole suspect would be laughable if not for the catastrophic consequences. — Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 3 June 2026 Which was widely panned for its unrealistic plot, laughable dialogue, and inexplicable plotting. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026 Besides the glowing green Riddler trophies, one of the game’s many other collectibles are audio tapes of therapists and doctors speaking with various asylum patients, and some of these conversations are downright laughable. — Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for laughable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable

Adjective

The end result is Murder Bites, my funny, quirky mystery that takes place in a small town where everyone is obsessed with their tiny designer dogs.

— Mimi Montgomery, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
What is sort of funny is imagining how immersion in the city’s cultural scene fits into Vanderbilt’s broader ambitions.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of funny

Adjective

Their escapade leads not only to the creation of their island paradise, Moonrise Kingdom, but a humorous wild goose chase between Suzy’s parents, Sam’s Scout troop, and the island police chief.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
When asked whether his dog has a favorite Bush song, Rossdale laughs before providing a humorous answer.

— Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of humorous

Adjective

The roster might as well be an All-Star team, and this pitching staff is absurd.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
The very idea of a trade war with Canada — our neighbor, our ally, our closest friend, a nation that’s peaceful and whose people have a reputation for kindness — is absurd.

— Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of absurd

Adjective

Mystery Men Throw it back to the Y2K era with this 1999 comedy starring a plethora of the era’s brightest comedic talents, including Ben Stiller, Kel Mitchell, Janeane Garofolo, and Paul Reubens.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
The one comedic element Blair didn’t want to stick his neck out for?

— William Earl, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of comedic

Adjective

American style can be at turns confounding, amusing, and aspirational.

— Luis Alberto Rodriguez, Vanity Fair, 20 Aug. 2026
Morgan Stanley’s Lisa Shalett and her team produced this amusing chart showing year-over-year percentage growth in tech capex, compared with the same for the dotcom bubble era.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of amusing

Browse Nearby Words

laugh

laughable

laughableness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of laughable

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes