comical

adjective

com·​i·​cal ˈkä-mi-kəl 

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 

noun

comically

ˈkä-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of comical

• humorous
• comedic
• funny
• amusing
• comic
• ridiculous

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

As part of Entertainment Weekly's exclusive video interviews with RuPaul's new cast of queens (below), Athena — who also appeared on The View as a guest in early 2024 — tells us that the moment led to some comical encounters involving cohosts letting loose at the establishment. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Dec. 2025

LeBron James Downplays Injury Concerns When the Lakers took on the Phoenix Suns earlier this week, LeBron James addressed his most recent absence with a comical quote. —Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Ask Jones and the answer is rather comical. —Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025

As with many other moments since arriving, the moment is ridiculous to the point of comical. —Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 3 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for comical

• anatomical
• astronomical
• economical
• neuroanatomical
• uneconomical

Kids Definition

comical

adjective

com·​i·​cal ˈkäm-i-kəl 

: laughable, funny

comically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb