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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ludicrous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ludicrous are comical, comic, laughable, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When can comic be used instead of ludicrous?

While the synonyms comic and ludicrous are close in meaning, comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

Where would comical be a reasonable alternative to ludicrous?

In some situations, the words comical and ludicrous are roughly equivalent. However, comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When is laughable a more appropriate choice than ludicrous?

The meanings of laughable and ludicrous largely overlap; however, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When could ridiculous be used to replace ludicrous?

The synonyms ridiculous and ludicrous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 ludicrous What was always a marvel is how Gemstones managed to generate that compassion within the most consistently ludicrous comedy on TV. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 May 2025 His commitment to authenticity is so extreme that the resultant footage is, often, ludicrous. Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 24 May 2025 His batting average on balls in play (BABIP) is a ludicrous .472, and the all-time record is .423, set by Babe Ruth in 1923. Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Making an interview request to someone like this is a ludicrous act. Nate Rogers, Vulture, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ludicrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ludicrous
Adjective
  • There are enough quotable lines of dialogue in the movie’s first half to remind you why Succession was, pound for pound, one of the most profanely funny shows on TV during its run.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
  • Because to us, the most funny things are right next to the most tragic things.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • The 30-year-old actor’s longevity is clearly due to his willingness to fully commit to his characters, no matter how ridiculous.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 27 May 2025
  • As Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt looped a single over the infield and into short right, the sublime gave way to ridiculous.
    Denver Post, Denver Post, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • In his feature debut, Dupont follows the two men with a sense of empathetic detachment and an appreciation for fine detail and humorous dialogue.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 June 2025
  • Popular posts might feature a photo with a humorous caption, an anonymous confession, or a detailed technical answer to a complex question.
    Dan Cody Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • One thing that’s been a challenge to satirists in the last 10 years is that reality has become so absurd, with the dumbest possible things happening every day, that there doesn’t always seem to be another level for satire to go to.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2025
  • Read it because existence is absurd, and laughter might be the most intelligent response available.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • But of course, a past-his-prime comedic superstar wasn’t going to be the one to end Cena’s record-breaking 17th world title reign, no matter how bad Cena’s run as a heel has been thus far.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Those moments helped solidify Oblivion as an unintended comedic masterpiece.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • If a couple players on the Dodgers can make a silly comment, so can the owner of the Yankees.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • The artwork is silly and exaggerated to capture youngsters’ attention.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • While there is something amusing about the sight of a bear climbing in like a person hitching a ride, the aftermath of a bear finding its way into your car is rarely a laughing matter.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
  • The vibrant 90-minute play that kicked off La Jolla Playhouse’s 2025-26 season on Thursday night, is filled with funny lines, dancing, amusing characters and the joyful celebration of life.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Anyone who tells you different is a liar (and pathetic, and alone in life).
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2025
  • The politicized fantasy and horror films by Ryan Coogler and Jordan Peele are merely pathetic.
    Armond White, National Review, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ludicrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ludicrous. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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