ludicrous 🔊
Meaning of ludicrous
So foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing or absurd.
Key Difference
While 'ludicrous' emphasizes absurdity to the point of being laughable, its synonyms may vary in intensity, context, or connotation.
Example of ludicrous
- The idea that cats could govern a country is utterly ludicrous.
- His claim of having invented time travel was met with ludicrous laughter.
Synonyms
ridiculous 🔊
Meaning of ridiculous
Deserving or inviting mockery or derision due to absurdity.
Key Difference
'Ridiculous' is more general and can imply something is silly or nonsensical, while 'ludicrous' often suggests extreme absurdity.
Example of ridiculous
- Wearing a winter coat in the desert is ridiculous.
- The politician's excuse for being late was simply ridiculous.
preposterous 🔊
Meaning of preposterous
Contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd.
Key Difference
'Preposterous' implies a reversal of logic, while 'ludicrous' focuses on the laughable nature of absurdity.
Example of preposterous
- The notion that Earth is flat is preposterous in the age of space exploration.
- His demand for a million-dollar salary for an entry-level job was preposterous.
absurd 🔊
Meaning of absurd
Wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate.
Key Difference
'Absurd' is a broader term for anything irrational, whereas 'ludicrous' often carries a humorous or mocking tone.
Example of absurd
- It's absurd to think you can lose weight by eating only chocolate.
- The plot of the movie was so absurd that audiences couldn't take it seriously.
far-fetched 🔊
Meaning of far-fetched
Unlikely and unconvincing; implausible.
Key Difference
'Far-fetched' suggests something is hard to believe, while 'ludicrous' implies it is outright laughable.
Example of far-fetched
- His story about meeting an alien was far-fetched but entertaining.
- The conspiracy theory was too far-fetched to gain any real traction.
laughable 🔊
Meaning of laughable
So ridiculous as to be amusing.
Key Difference
'Laughable' directly implies something provokes laughter, while 'ludicrous' can also imply shock or disbelief.
Example of laughable
- The team's attempt to win with no practice was laughable.
- Her fear of butterflies was laughable to her friends.
nonsensical 🔊
Meaning of nonsensical
Having no meaning or making no sense.
Key Difference
'Nonsensical' refers to a lack of coherence, while 'ludicrous' emphasizes absurdity.
Example of nonsensical
- The toddler's explanation for the broken vase was completely nonsensical.
- The instructions were so nonsensical that no one could follow them.
outrageous 🔊
Meaning of outrageous
Shockingly bold or unusual.
Key Difference
'Outrageous' can imply something is offensive or extreme, while 'ludicrous' focuses on absurdity.
Example of outrageous
- The celebrity's outrageous behavior at the event made headlines.
- The prices at the luxury store were outrageous.
incredible 🔊
Meaning of incredible
Difficult to believe; extraordinary.
Key Difference
'Incredible' can be positive or neutral, while 'ludicrous' is always negative or mocking.
Example of incredible
- The athlete's performance was incredible, breaking multiple records.
- Her excuse for being late was so incredible that no one believed her.
comical 🔊
Meaning of comical
Amusing or funny, especially in a ridiculous way.
Key Difference
'Comical' is lighter and more humorous, while 'ludicrous' can carry a tone of disbelief or scorn.
Example of comical
- His attempts to dance were comical but endearing.
- The situation was so comical that everyone burst into laughter.
Conclusion
- 'Ludicrous' is best used when describing something so absurd it becomes laughable or unbelievable.
- 'Ridiculous' can be used interchangeably in most casual contexts where something is silly or nonsensical.
- 'Preposterous' is ideal when emphasizing a complete lack of logic or reason.
- 'Absurd' works well for general irrationality without the mocking tone of 'ludicrous'.
- 'Far-fetched' should be used when something is implausible but not necessarily laughable.
- 'Laughable' is perfect when the primary reaction is amusement rather than shock.
- 'Nonsensical' applies when something lacks any coherent meaning.
- 'Outrageous' fits when something is shocking or extreme, not just absurd.
- 'Incredible' can describe extraordinary things, but avoid it if the tone is negative.
- 'Comical' is best reserved for situations that are humorously ridiculous rather than unbelievable.