comic 1 of 2

Definition of comicnext

comic

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective comic differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comic are comical, laughable, ludicrous, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When can comical be used instead of comic?

The words comical and comic can be used in similar contexts, but comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When is it sensible to use laughable instead of comic?

In some situations, the words laughable and comic are roughly equivalent. However, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When could ludicrous be used to replace comic?

Although the words ludicrous and comic have much in common, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When might ridiculous be a better fit than comic?

While in some cases nearly identical to comic, ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility.

a ridiculous display of anger

How does the adjective comic differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comic are comical, laughable, ludicrous, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When can comical be used instead of comic?

The words comical and comic can be used in similar contexts, but comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When is it sensible to use laughable instead of comic?

In some situations, the words laughable and comic are roughly equivalent. However, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When could ludicrous be used to replace comic?

Although the words ludicrous and comic have much in common, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When might ridiculous be a better fit than comic?

While in some cases nearly identical to comic, 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 comic
Noun
One defining moment was when a teenage Johnson and his father were in a comic shop and Johnson was intent on buying a copy of Battle Chasers, a comic known for shapely and busty heroines and plenty of violence. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026 The comic will also headline the Hollywood Bowl on May 5 as part of the Netflix Is a Joke Fest. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Burglars targeted a sports card and comic store in a smash-and-grab in Chicago's Dunning neighborhood early Monday morning. Desiree Evans, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026 The show, which traced the depths into which two Angelenos descend after a road-rage incident, reintroduced Ali Wong as a dramatic lead, gave Steven Yeun a chance to go darkly comic, and shined a rare light on the issue of Asian American mental health. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
Noun
  • One moment in particular, just before a Weekend Update segment built around one of Murphy's ideas, still stands out to the now 74-year-old comedian.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Hosted by comedian Greg Davies for BBC One, Sunday’s awards ceremony at The Brewery in London ended with victory for shows like Adolescence, The Celebrity Traitors, Andor, Amadeus, Big Boys, Reunion and more.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That collapse is spurred not just by Napoleon, but also outside pressure from the human-run Pilkington Corporation, intent on reclaiming the freedom that these precious cartoon animals just seized.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026
  • This woman, it is soon revealed, is a writer, and the cartoon girl ascending a tower by rope is the heroine of her children’s book series.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The humor only grows more erratic and unpleasant from there.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026
  • But then, the 2016 national party conventions gave Colbert the opportunity to push hard on political humor.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The satirical elements, the rhythm of the show, and the sparkling performances of our cast and guest stars have always had a comedic bent.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Taccone, similarly, clearly has the talent to make all kinds of interesting comedic movies, but seems in search of the best outlet.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Dashcam video shows the moment two shoplifting suspects were arrested in Fort Worth following a chase, in which an officer threw out spike strips to disable the vehicle.
    Briauna Brown, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Some are cabbage-free, instead spotlighting crunchy carrot strips or broccoli stalks.
    Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • It’s based on an unconventional true story from recent history, set on the British Isles, with a tone that alternates between humorous and sorrowful before delivering an uplifting and humanist message, with skillfully invisible filmmaking that takes a backseat to the performances and story.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The humorous spot is part of a year-long effort by Disney to get audiences enthusiastic about its Super Bowl plans.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There’s no doubt that the online backlash was swift and laugh-out-loud funny, the worst kind of insult to a man who sees himself as endowed with otherworldly powers.
    Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Deeply affectionate and laugh-out-loud funny, this delightful comedy is the directorial debut of Maude Apatow.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Poorna Jagannathan, whose turn as the formidable crime-boss auntie Lucky has been a fan favorite, will be the lone supporting comedy actress submission.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Hulu has set June 8 for the premiere of Alice and Steve, its upcoming comedy series starring Jemaine Clement and Nicola Walker, from Baby Reindeer producer Clerkenwell Films.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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