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

Getting a 50-pound dog up the ladder is comical, though. —Graham Averill, Outside, 20 Mar. 2026

Under comical and combustible Cronin, the Bruins are back in the second round for the second straight tournament after missing out in 2024. —CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

These posts, which have since been deleted, highlight Acton's comical level of commitment to pointless COVID restrictions. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026

That leads to a comedy of mistaken identities and a comical, if well-intentioned, plot to right wrongs. —Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 19 Mar. 2026

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