comical

adjective

com·​i·​cal ˈkä-mi-kəl How to pronounce comical (audio)
1
obsolete : of or relating to comedy
2
: causing laughter especially because of a startlingly or unexpectedly humorous impact
wearing a comical expression
comicality noun
comically adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for comical

laughable, ludicrous, ridiculous, comic, comical mean provoking laughter or mirth.

laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility.

a ridiculous display of anger

comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

Examples of comical in a Sentence

I must have looked comical in that big hat. The way they argue is almost comical.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Here are Lady Gaga’s music-video hats, ranked in terms of experimentation, narrative contribution, comical lack of narrative contribution, and, of course, style. 60. Kinsey Jasnoch, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025 When the Raptors were in town, Haliburton was beating defenders off the dribble with almost comical ease. Tony East, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 The sitcom, which aired from 1977 to 1987, told the romantic and often comical tales of the passengers and crew of the Pacific Princess. Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025 Often comical and sometimes scary, the concept should travel well beyond Germany (where the film premiered in competition at the Berlin Film Festival), even if Hambalek hasn’t ironed out all the kinks. Peter Debruge, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comical

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of comical was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comical. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

comical

adjective
com·​i·​cal ˈkäm-i-kəl How to pronounce comical (audio)
comically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on comical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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