# comical

/ˈkɑmɪkəɫ/ (US) · /kˈɒmɪkəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/comical
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. funny or amusing

adjective · CEFR B2

funny in a way that makes you smile or laugh, often because it is silly or unusual.

For teachers: provoking laughter or amusement, typically through whimsical or absurd qualities.

- The sight of the large dog trying to fit into the tiny bed was quite comical.
- The actor's comical expressions during the silent film sequence were enough to keep the entire audience laughing without a single line of dialogue.

### 2. ridiculous

adjective · CEFR B2

so silly or strange that it is hard to take seriously.

For teachers: deserving of ridicule or laughter due to being absurd or poorly executed.

- It was comical how many mistakes they made in such a simple task.
- The company's attempt to rebrand itself was almost comical, as the new logo looked exactly like the one they had just replaced.

### 3. relating to comedy

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

connected to the style of comedy in plays or books.

For teachers: pertaining to the genre or characteristics of comedy as a literary or dramatic form.

- The play was a comical masterpiece that entertained the city for months.
- The playwright was celebrated for his comical genius, blending sharp social satire with traditional slapstick elements.

## Examples

- The dog looked comical in its tiny winter sweater.
- His attempt to carry five cups of coffee at once was comical until he actually tripped.
- The play's success relied on the comical contrast between the serious, high-stakes plot and the lead actor's clumsy, exaggerated movements.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.