comic

1 of 2

adjective

com·​ic ˈkä-mik How to pronounce comic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or marked by comedy
a comic actor
2
: causing laughter or amusement : funny
a comic monologue
3
: of or relating to comic strips
the newspaper's comic section

comic

2 of 2

noun

1
: comedian
a stand-up comic
2
: the comic element
3
c
comics plural : the part of a newspaper devoted to comic strips
Choose the Right Synonym for comic

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 comic in a Sentence

Adjective The drama has some comic moments. His comic timing is impeccable. The scene was included for comic effect. Noun posted an especially funny comic by the watercooler a celebrated humorist who, without fail, could find the comic in even the most mundane of situations
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.
Adjective
Another favorite comic novel of mine, this one follows a guy in Beijing who installs custom, old school sound systems for rich people. James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025 Rather than leaning in realistic Marvel Cinematic Universe portrayals, or even the classic comic roots, ArcSys has brought a more Japanese sensibility to the design of its world and characters. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
The comic is repped by Innovative Artists and Knol Hanly. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025 The clean comic, who has been called nicest guy in stand-up comedy, will emcee the ceremony honoring the best in television live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin comicus, from Greek kōmikos, from kōmos revel

First Known Use

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1687, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of comic was in 1567

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comic. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

comic

1 of 2 adjective
com·​ic ˈkäm-ik How to pronounce comic (audio)
1
: of or relating to comedy
a comic actor
2
: causing laughter or amusement : funny
3
: of or relating to comic strips

comic

2 of 2 noun
1
2
b
plural : the part of a newspaper devoted to comic strips

More from Merriam-Webster on comic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!