comic 1 of 2

noun

Definition of comicnext
1
as in comedian
a person (as a writer) noted for or specializing in humor a well-known TV comic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

comic

2 of 2

adjective

ˈkä-mik How to pronounce comic (audio)
as in comedic
causing or intended to cause laughter a comic monologue about his misadventures as a first-time camper

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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.
Recent Examples of comic
Noun
Similar to the show, the comic features a pair of detectives trying to connect the dots behind a strain of explosive deaths, and everyone who’s spontaneously combusted has The Beauty. —Barry Levitt, Time, 22 Jan. 2026 The $5 million comedy about a Pakistani comic (Kumail Nanjiani) whose Waspy girlfriend becomes gravely ill was the first film that Basner had fully financed. —Brent Lang, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Like many artists, La Gattuta hopes people who see his work will not only be excited to learn more about his comic and eventual website but also to think about the bigger picture. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026 Some of them make comic puns or juxtapositions. —Benjamin Lima special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comic
  1. comedian
  2. cartoon
  3. humor
  4. comedic
  5. strip
  6. humorous
  7. funny
  8. comedy
Noun
  • Actor-comedian Cecily Strong is 42.
    — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The British Whitehall, primarily known as a stand-up comedian, panel show guest and presenter, makes a fine romantic lead.
    — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of comedian
Noun
  • The movie had two sequels and spawned theme-park rides, video games and a TV cartoon series.
    — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Part true crime, part cartoon, a whole lot of weed.
    — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of cartoon
Noun
  • Mike begins to struggle with the idea of doing something that might finally give his life (and his death) meaning, and although the film goes in absurd directions, Gavras sells it by pitching everything at the level of epic satire, his grandiose images working in tandem with moments of broad humor.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Much of McGaha’s humor centers on the chaos of family life and the eccentric characters found in small-town America.
    — Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of humor
Adjective
  • Robbie, who proved her deadpan comedic acting chops in Barbie, is a joy as the flighty, vain, fast-talking Cathy, totally lacking in self-awareness.
    — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The comedic actress and two-time Emmy winner died at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness, her reps at CAA confirmed.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of comedic
Noun
  • Cut each strip of pre-cooked bacon in half, and wrap it around each date, securing it with a toothpick.
    — Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
  • After the Tuffah strike, Israeli fire continued across the strip, said hospital officials.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of strip
Adjective
  • The only thing more captivating than Mane’s humorous lyrics is his streetwear look.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The most effective Super Bowl ads this year delivered an emotional or humorous punch while also clearly conveying the importance or utility of their products, according to Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of humorous
Noun
  • No mention of whether those shows will be any different than the others or if the khaki-pants-wearing data analyst was simply making a funny.
    — Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Sheridan clearly seems to find all this funny more than anything.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 11 Jan. 2026
Definition of funny
Noun
  • The 30-second Super Bowl version manages to capture most of the ridiculousness of the lengthier, two-and-a-half-minute version directed by Spike Jonze, which feels as silly and committed as any of your favorite Stiller comedy moments.
    — Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Sánchez Arévalo has framed the film as a deliberate genre blend — thriller, drama, black comedy and Western — emphasizing that its resistance to easy labelling was central to the appeal.
    — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of comedy

Phrases Containing comic

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comfy
comic
comical
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Cite this Entry

“Comic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comic. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on comic

Nglish: Translation of comic for Spanish Speakers

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