comic-opera

1 of 2

adjective

com·​ic-op·​era ˈkä-mik-ˈä-p(ə-)rə How to pronounce comic-opera (audio)
: not to be taken seriously
a comic-opera regime

comic opera

2 of 2

noun

: opera of a humorous character with a happy ending and usually some spoken dialogue

Examples of comic-opera in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Among them was the comic-opera singer Francis Wilson, the original of two previous owners of the Howards’ apartment. Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 30 May 2026 And it can be presented as a kind of comic-opera affair. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
The season includes shows by Samuel Beckett, Agatha Christie and comic opera duo Gilbert and Sullivan, but also contemporary Pulitzer winner Lynn Nottage and relative up-and-comers Kimberly Belflower and Jonathan Spector. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2026 Sometimes the Chief Executive and his inner circle resemble characters in a comic opera. Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic-opera

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1891, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of comic-opera was in 1706

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Cite this Entry

“Comic-opera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comic-opera. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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