tragicomic

adjective

tragi·​com·​ic ˌtra-ji-ˈkä-mik 

variants or less commonly tragicomical

ˌtra-ji-ˈkä-mi-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or resembling tragicomedy

2

: manifesting both tragic and comic aspects

Examples of tragicomic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Transcription comes by its tragicomic suspicion of devices honestly. —Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

Cate Blanchett, ‘Blue Jasmine’ (2014) Blanchett delivers an enjoyably tragicomic turn in Woody Allen's dramedy as a booze-swilling, Xanax-popping hot mess. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026

Albee’s Tony Award-winning play is a work of tragicomic psychological realism embedded in verbal hand grenades. —Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 13 Feb. 2026

The story follows a young girl (Banin Ahmad Nayef) who is chosen to bake a special cake to celebrate the birthday of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, setting her on a tragicomic journey to see through the task. —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tragicomic

• anatomic
• antidromic
• astronomic
• autonomic
• cryptogamic
• diatomic
• economic
• ergonomic
• gastronomic
• monatomic
• psychonomic
• subatomic