Synonyms of comic

comic 1 of 2

noun

1

as in comedian

a person (as a writer) noted for or specializing in humor

a well-known TV comic

Synonyms & Similar Words

• comedian
• humorist
• droll
• farceur
• card
• funnyman
• entertainer
• jokester
• jester
• joker
• wag
• clown
• wit
• gagger
• gagman
• gagster
• comedienne
• knockabout
• practical joker
• teaser
• harlequin
• buffoon
• kidder
• prankster
• caricaturist
• parodist
• zany
• satirist
• wisecracker
• cutup
• quipster
• fool
• banterer
• quipper
• lampooner

2

as in cartoon

a series of drawings that tell a story or part of a story

posted an especially funny comic by the watercooler

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cartoon
• strip
• funny
• comic strip
• animation
• graphic novel
• comic book
• animated cartoon
• caricature
• funny paper(s)

3

as in humor

the amusing quality or element in something

a celebrated humorist who, without fail, could find the comic in even the most mundane of situations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• humor
• humorousness
• comedy
• irony
• comicality
• funniness
• drollery
• richness
• drollness
• hilariousness
• amusement
• enjoyment
• uproariousness
• satire
• pleasure
• burlesque
• absurdity
• ridiculousness
• parody
• ludicrousness
• spoof
• fun
• farce
• slapstick
• whimsicality
• lampoon
• wittiness
• caricature
• playfulness
• jocularity
• takeoff
• wryness
• laughableness
• jokiness
• waggishness
• jest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pathos
• grief
• sorrow
• misery
• torture
• anguish
• gravity
• heartbreak
• agony
• woe
• heartache
• seriousness
• tribulation
• torment
• solemnity
• dolor
• somberness
• solemnness
• soberness

comic

2 of 2

adjective

ˈkä-mik 

as in comedic

causing or intended to cause laughter

a comic monologue about his misadventures as a first-time camper

Synonyms & Similar Words

• comedic
• humorous
• funny
• comical
• amusing
• entertaining
• hysterical
• ridiculous
• hilarious
• witty
• farcical
• screaming
• playful
• droll
• antic
• riotous
• ludicrous
• uproarious
• humoristic
• laughable
• risible
• sidesplitting
• killing
• chucklesome
• slapstick
• zany
• clownish
• flippant
• merry
• laughing
• facetious
• flip
• jocular
• slapsticky
• whimsical
• diverting
• waggish
• knockabout
• jokey
• campy
• wry
• jolly
• mirthful
• jovial
• jocose
• smart-aleck
• smart
• mad
• rich
• priceless
• smart-alecky
• gleeful
• snickery
• pert
• jocund
• blithesome

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lame
• serious
• humorless
• unfunny
• earnest
• solemn
• tragic
• somber
• grave
• severe
• uncomic
• unamusing
• staid
• sober
• unsmiling
• sedate
• poignant
• weighty
• unhysterical
• moving
• unhumorous
• touching
• sad
• affecting
• no-nonsense
• sorrowful
• sobersided
• mournful
• tearful
• woeful
• lachrymose

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective comic differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comic are comical, laughable, ludicrous, and ridiculous. While all these words mean "provoking laughter or mirth," comic applies especially to what arouses thoughtful amusement.

a comic character

When can comical be used instead of comic?

The words comical and comic can be used in similar contexts, but comical applies to what arouses spontaneous hilarity.

a comical hat

When is it sensible to use laughable instead of comic?

In some situations, the words laughable and comic are roughly equivalent. However, laughable applies to anything occasioning laughter.

laughable attempts at skating

When could ludicrous be used to replace comic?

Although the words ludicrous and comic have much in common, ludicrous suggests absurdity that excites both laughter and scorn.

a thriller with a ludicrous plot

When might ridiculous be a better fit than comic?

While in some cases nearly identical to comic, ridiculous suggests extreme absurdity, foolishness, or contemptibility.

a ridiculous display of anger

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of comic

Noun

Jordan Jensen, co-host of Bein’ Ian with Jordan, became the first female comic to win NY’s Funniest Stand-Up at the New York Comedy Festival in 2021, and was named to Deadline’s list of comics to watch in 2025. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 27 May 2026

This comic was edited by Malaka Gharib. —Andee Tagle, NPR, 25 May 2026

Adjective

Set in rural Minnesota and starring Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, and Brent Briscoe in the roles of the trio, A Simple Plan is often compared to the Coen brothers’ Fargo (1996), but the film skews more tragic than comic. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026

The green-screen effects are knowing in their outright fakery; the nerdiness of the whole enterprise is lampshaded with a whole setpiece in a comic-book store. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 2 June 2026

Phrases Containing comic

• comic strip