comic-opera

1 of 2

adjective

com·​ic-op·​era ˈkä-mik-ˈä-p(ə-)rə How to pronounce comic-opera (audio)
: not to be taken seriously
a comic-opera regime

comic opera

2 of 2

noun

: opera of a humorous character with a happy ending and usually some spoken dialogue

Examples of comic-opera in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Among them was the comic-opera singer Francis Wilson, the original of two previous owners of the Howards’ apartment. — Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 30 May 2026
Noun
The final movement of the symphony runs at a gallop, traversing scenes like the overture of a comic opera while the glockenspiel takes the limelight. — Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026 In composer Derrick Wang's comic opera, Scalia is on trial in a cosmic court of justice; his friend Ginsburg comes to his aid and comfort. — Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comic-opera

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1891, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of comic-opera was in 1706

Rhymes for comic-opera

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Browse Nearby Words

comico-
comic-opera
comic opera
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Cite this Entry

“Comic-opera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comic-opera. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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