comical

adjective

com·​i·​cal ˈkä-mi-kəl How to pronounce comical (audio)
Synonyms of comicalnext
1
obsolete : of or relating to comedy
2
: causing laughter especially because of a startlingly or unexpectedly humorous impact
wearing a comical expression
comicality
ˌkä-mi-ˈka-lə-tē How to pronounce comical (audio)
noun
comically
ˈkä-mi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce comical (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

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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.
Even though the comical lapse in judgment from Williams didn’t draw the best look on Tuesday, the approach to the first major hurdle of his three-year career to this point drew overwhelming praise from everyone around him over the offseason. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2025 The clip's charm lies in its relatability—an intimate, comical snapshot of pet life behind closed doors. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025 Interviewed for the doc, Bush also supplies its most comical moments, intentionally or not. — David Browne, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2025 From there, the audience is ushered into this new world through a series of fun and breezy, and sometimes comical, sequences that fill in the plot. — Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 9 July 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

Rhymes for comical

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Browse Nearby Words

comic
comical
comicalness
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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of comical for Spanish Speakers

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