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.
In the first movie, Weathers’ character met a comical demise (by falling out of a window after Happy surprised him with the body of the alligator who bit off his hand) and later made an appearance from heaven. Jack Smart, People.com, 17 July 2025 Despite the fact that the name for mecha in this setting is the obviously comical wanzer, its influences are very clearly from mecha anime such as Armored Trooper VOTOMS. Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 Unlike Lex Luther, who again appears in this film as a comical villain, the Kryptonians are strictly evil and lack any humor, which makes the audience root for their demise. Martin Gold, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025 The dreamy and comical ballet is expected to delight audiences of all ages. Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 2 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

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Cite this Entry

“Comical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comical. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

comical

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

More from Merriam-Webster on comical

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