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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 This is where things start getting even more ludicrous. Dimitar 'mix' Mihov, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 The most ludicrous thing is that even Trump knows this. Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 19 Feb. 2025 That eateries would designate some sections as fit for cigarette users seems ludicrous today. Jack Butler, National Review, 26 Jan. 2025 When film culture beds down with godlessness, the ludicrous result is Conclave. Armond White, National Review, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ludicrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ludicrous
Adjective
  • Know your audience—What one person finds funny, another might not.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Not the most memorable, but Myers’s flail-laughing at his own insufferable jokes remains a pretty funny encapsulation of Musk’s self-satisfied riffing.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Ever since its first season in Maui, Mike White’s Emmy-winning Max series has poked not-so-subtle fun at the ridiculous expectations and bizarre social customs of the rich on vacation.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
  • With its heightened dramas, overdone Die Hard references, and ridiculous plot turns, Paradise is pretty preposterous yet asks us to consider it as a sophisticated prestige drama.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The talented cast of BET Plus’s hit show Sistas brings to life the heartfelt, relatable, and often humorous journey of modern Black women navigating love, friendship, and career.
    Noel Cody, Essence, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Gercke is quite skilled at building characters and writing humorous and poetic dialogue.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • With his absurd hair and larger-than-life persona, Trump is a walking meme.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • And next year, and for years to come, through trauma and joy, this seemingly absurd ritual is going to be here.
    Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Adam Sandler Adam Sandler will always be known, first and foremost, for his comedic skills.
    Samantha Highfill, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2025
  • This marks O'Brien's first time hosting the prestigious event, bringing his signature comedic style to Hollywood's biggest night.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Using medieval art as one resource, Ariès pointed out that children were often portrayed as miniature adults, without special attributes, such as plump features or silly behaviors, that might mark them as fundamentally different from their older counterparts.
    Anna Mae Duane, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025
  • This will especially appeal to the silly preschoolers in the group!
    Amanda Rock, Parents, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But Schreck’s play is approachable, entertaining, amusing and thought-provoking.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Some comments on social media call the prank funny and amusing, while others condemned it as immature and gross.
    Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Michael Gandolfini pops up as a slimy Fisk mayoral staffer who wouldn’t look out of place in this magazine’s recent cover featuring the new young right, and his playing both pathetic and vaguely sympathetic is very fun to watch.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
  • How to decide which of these pathetic characters will get his fading masculinity restored?
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ludicrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ludicrous. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ludicrous

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