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

At a certain point, the deadly seriousness of so many consecutive anti-miracles can’t help but turn faintly comical. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026

Big Brother houseguest and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Jason De Puy — also known as drag superstar Salina EsTitties — offered a comical apology to TV legend Ryan Murphy during Thursday’s live eviction episode. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 24 July 2026

For the right family, a Samoyed can be an affectionate, comical and deeply engaging companion. — Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 16 July 2026

In Gosha’s case, that involves getting mixed up with gangsters at a seedy nightclub, a sequence that quickly deteriorates from being mildly comical to sinister to outright terrifying by even degrees. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 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