comical

1 of 2

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

comicality

2 of 2

noun

com·​i·​cal·​i·​ty ˌkä-mi-ˈka-lə-tē 

plural -es

: comical quality

also : something comical

Synonyms of comical

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

I must have looked comical in that big hat.

The way they argue is almost comical.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Here, visitors make their way through an exhibition featuring waif Alberto Giacometti sculptures, a room full of Picassos, Fischli/Weiss’s comical sculpture Animal (1986), and more. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

With Apatow at the helm, the chat took some comical turns, as might be expected, and also some unusually revealing ones, as Apatow getting McCartney to loosen up provided some real personal asides as well as screwball dialogue. — Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

Ripa told the audience her husband had a comical reaction to propofol, following his foot surgery last week. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2026

Herbert’s receivers have been inconsistent, too, struggling with pre-snap communication, frustrating — sometimes comical — drops and, of course, injuries. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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