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

• 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

Hackman, Perrine and Beatty add a comical touch to all of their scenes. —Martin Gold, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025

The idea of crutches on cobblestone streets was comical, ridiculous and potentially dangerous. —Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025

The film was always going to be a giant undertaking, but an almost comical series of unfortunate events had curtailed it into becoming one of the most expensive pictures Hollywood had ever produced… long before Burton even joined the project. —Rance Collins, IndieWire, 2 July 2025

Most Hollywood movies about motorsports leave much to be desired, some of them almost comical. —Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 1 July 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