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

Two young attendees at Sunday’s rally told the Herald/Times the attacks against Nixon translate to them as almost comical misinformation. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

The performance of total transparency could reach comical heights. — Alex Barasch, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026

The drunkest of the three drunk ladies gives the historical cannon a kick, then does some comical hopping around, indicating, Ouch, my foot. — George Saunders, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026

Beneath the serious exchange of ideas there was romance as well—at times tragic and at other times comical. — Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 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