comic

1 of 2

adjective

com·​ic ˈkä-mik How to pronounce comic (audio)
Synonyms of comicnext
1
: of, relating to, or marked by comedy
a comic actor
2
: causing laughter or amusement : funny
a comic monologue
3
: of or relating to comic strips
the newspaper's comic section

comic

2 of 2

noun

1
: comedian
a stand-up comic
2
: the comic element
3
a
: comic strip
b
: comic book
c
comics ˈkä-miks How to pronounce comic (audio) plural : the part of a newspaper devoted to comic strips

Synonyms of comic

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Adjective

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for comic

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 comic in a Sentence

Adjective The drama has some comic moments. His comic timing is impeccable. The scene was included for comic effect. Noun posted an especially funny comic by the watercooler a celebrated humorist who, without fail, could find the comic in even the most mundane of situations
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
That is why the long weekends are relished with a passion that can look almost comic from the outside. — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The hot new subject areas were comic-book studies, science fiction, and children’s literature. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Noun
In this comic from 1950, published by Avon, Custer is sharp-jawed, golden-locked and the last of his men to die. — New York Times, 28 June 2026 The illustrative nature of a comic is unparalleled in its ability to transport people. — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin comicus, from Greek kōmikos, from kōmos revel

First Known Use

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1687, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of comic was in 1567

Phrases Containing comic

Rhymes for comic

See All Rhymes for comic

Browse Nearby Words

comfy
comic
comical
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Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comic. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

comic

1 of 2 adjective
com·​ic ˈkäm-ik How to pronounce comic (audio)
1
: of or relating to comedy
a comic actor
2
: causing laughter or amusement : funny
3
: of or relating to comic strips

comic

2 of 2 noun
1
: comedian sense 2
2
a
: comic strip
b
plural : the part of a newspaper devoted to comic strips

More from Merriam-Webster on comic

Nglish: Translation of comic for Spanish Speakers

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