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 No way did technology rule our lives back then—that was almost laughable. —

Spin Staff, SPIN, 30 Sep. 2024 Las Vegas solidifies its claim for the playoffs with a 3-2 win and a dominant DB 21-14 California takes another upset win, with a laughable 21-4 DB score-line by the singles-heavy Bears Day 3 Observations SoCal lays down the smack on fellow playoff participant Bay Area to start off day 3 well. —

Todd Boss, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for laughable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for laughable

Adjective

Killian earned a reputation for being funny and outré.

Oscar Schwartz, The New Yorker, 27 Nov. 2024
Consider the case of Mickey Mouse, whose funny, sunny visage has come to the rescue at least once before.

Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2024