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

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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 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 results are sexy and funny, strange and gorgeous, personal and political, unconcerned with taboo or traditional structure.

— Rachel Handler, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
The Royals’ bat boy comes in and out of view, but there are two funny moments.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 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 Appalachian Trail is absolutely brutal The distance alone is obviously absurd, but mileage is only part of what makes the AT such a beast.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
The selection process does not judge whether a study is admirable or absurd, good or bad.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 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

Billboards along Southern California freeways have broadcast the Angels’ desperate attempts to draw in fans via pathetic promotions.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
The outfield production continues to be a concern, and the overall offensive production is pathetic.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of pathetic

Adjective

That closeness, however, has made the internet’s speculation about their secret romantic arrangement particularly amusing to Bunny, who tells PEOPLE that there is no hidden relationship between the three.

— Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026
American style can be at turns confounding, amusing, and aspirational.

— Luis Alberto Rodriguez, Vanity Fair, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of amusing

Adjective

Playing the part largely for laughs, Moore actually has more in common with Lazenby than Connery; his Bond is softer and sillier than the original, an approach Moore would double down on in later films — often to the chagrin of Bond purists.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
For Lance Oppenheim, Primetime’s DNA resides inside a silly Cameo video.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of silly

Browse Nearby Words

laugh

laughable

laughableness

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“Laughable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laughable. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of laughable

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