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.
His boisterous persona was more comical than confrontational, a hot-air balloon of strutting pomposity punctured by his family. Jim McKairnes, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025 The notion of the Pistons beating anybody — literally, anybody — a year ago would have been comical. Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025 The contrast between these offenses is nearly comical: Washington has run 34 plays to Tampa's 16, has gained 171 yards to Tampa's 86, and with 18:25 of possession, has virtually doubled Tampa in that category. NBC News, 13 Jan. 2025 While her expression of defeat was clearly candid, the puppy's fall was almost comical due to its level of drama. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near comical

Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comical. Accessed 30 Jan. 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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