Funny vs. Comical: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
"Funny" refers to something that causes laughter or amusement, while "comical" denotes a humorous or amusing quality often related to absurdity.
Key Differences
Funny and Comical are both adjectives used to describe something that causes laughter or amusement. "Funny" has a broader application, encompassing anything that evokes a chuckle or a smile. "Comical," on the other hand, often implies a certain element of absurdity or exaggerated humor.
When we label something as funny, we're indicating that it has the power to entertain and make one laugh. This could be because of a situation, a joke, a comment, or even a look. Comical, meanwhile, leans more towards situations or appearances that seem almost cartoonish or out of the ordinary in their humorous appeal.
The word funny can also be subjective and based on personal taste. What one person finds funny might not be humorous to another. Comical, although also subjective to an extent, tends to highlight the ridiculous or bizarre nature of something, making it more universally recognizable as humorous.
Usage-wise, funny is more versatile. It can describe a feeling ("I have a funny feeling"), a taste ("This tastes funny"), or even physical sensations ("My leg feels funny"). Comical, however, is almost exclusively used to describe scenarios, behaviors, or appearances that are humorously absurd.
In everyday conversation, funny is a more commonly used term. Whether sharing a joke, narrating an incident, or describing a film, people often opt for "funny." Comical might be chosen to emphasize the silliness or absurdity of a situation.
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Comparison Chart
Scope
Broader, applies to various forms of amusement.
Often linked to absurd or exaggerated humor.
Subjectivity
Can be highly subjective.
Though subjective, often points to clear absurdities.
Usage Diversity
Describes feelings, tastes, sensations, and humor.
Mainly describes absurd, humorous situations or appearances.
Commonality in Speech
More commonly used in everyday conversation.
Less frequent, emphasizes silliness or absurdity.
Implication
Simply humorous.
Humorous with an undertone of absurdity.
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Funny and Comical Definitions
Funny
Strange or odd.
There's a funny smell in this room.
Comical
Resembling or befitting a comedian.
His comical antics had everyone in stitches.
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement.
That joke you told was really funny.
Comical
Amusingly unconventional.
His comical attire made him stand out at the party.
Funny
Suspicious or questionable.
There's something funny about his story.
Comical
Invoking laughter through exaggerated or absurd means.
The play's comical misunderstandings led to non-stop laughter.
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement
A funny cartoon.
Comical
Ludicrously or whimsically humorous.
The way the dog chased its tail was quite comical.
Funny
Making or given to making amusing jokes or witticisms
A colleague who is very funny.
Comical
Provoking mirth or amusement; funny.
Funny
Appropriate as the subject of a joke; deserving of a joke. Used in negative sentences to express disapproval or to emphasize the seriousness of something
There is nothing funny about getting the flu.
Comical
Of or relating to comedy.
Funny
Difficult to account for; unusual or odd
I had a funny feeling that she would call.
Comical
(archaic) Originally, relating to comedy.
It was a comical performance.
Funny
Suspiciously odd
It's funny how I seem to lose something every time he comes around.
Comical
Funny, whimsically amusing.
The tutor excelled in comical scoldings.
Funny
Counterfeit or fraudulent
Tried to pass off funny money as legitimate.
Comical
Laughable; ridiculous.
He's just put salt in his tea instead of sugar. What a comical error!
Funny
(Informal) Somewhat ill, painful, or abnormal
I felt funny after eating those clams. "a mole on his arm that has started to go funny" (Ann Cummins).
Comical
Relating to comedy.
They deny it to be tragical because its catastrophe is a wedding, which hath ever been accounted comical.
Funny
Offensively forward or disrespectful
She told him off after he started to get funny.
Comical
Exciting mirth; droll; laughable; as, a comical story.
Funny
Contrary to one's demands or expectations
Don't let the prisoners do anything funny.
Comical
Arousing or provoking laughter;
An amusing film with a steady stream of pranks and pratfalls
An amusing fellow
A comic hat
A comical look of surprise
Funny stories that made everybody laugh
A very funny writer
It would have been laughable if it hadn't hurt so much
A mirthful experience
Risible courtroom antics
Funny
A joke; a witticism
"He laughed because he did not know I was not making a funny" (Jonathan Safran Foer).
Comical
Relating to comedy as a form of entertainment.
The movie had a comical plot twist.
Funny
Comic strips.
Funny
The section of a newspaper containing comic strips.
Funny
Amusing; humorous; comical.
When I went to the circus, I only found the clowns funny.
Funny
Strange or unusual, often implying unpleasant.
The milk smelt funny so I poured it away.
I've got a funny feeling that this isn't going to work.
Funny
Showing unexpected resentment.
Funny
Homosexual; gay
Funny
(informal) A joke.
Funny
(informal) A comic strip.
Funny
(rowing) A rowboat with both ends pointed and out of the water.
Funny
(British) A narrow clinker-built boat for sculling.
Funny
(nonstandard) In an unusual manner; strangely.
Funny
In a manner seen as being typical of a homosexual, or indicating homosexuality
Funny
Droll; comical; amusing; laughable; inciting laughter.
Funny
A clinkerbuit, narrow boat for sculling.
Funny
Arousing or provoking laughter;
An amusing film with a steady stream of pranks and pratfalls
An amusing fellow
A comic hat
A comical look of surprise
Funny stories that made everybody laugh
A very funny writer
It would have been laughable if it hadn't hurt so much
A mirthful experience
Risible courtroom antics
Funny
Beyond or deviating from the usual or expected;
A curious hybrid accent
Her speech has a funny twang
They have some funny ideas about war
Had an odd name
The peculiar aromatic odor of cloves
Something definitely queer about this town
What a rum fellow
Singular behavior
Funny
Not as expected;
There was something fishy about the accident
Up to some funny business
Some definitely queer goings-on
A shady deal
Her motives were suspect
Suspicious behavior
Funny
Experiencing odd bodily sensations;
Told the doctor about the funny sensations in her chest
Funny
In a strange manner;
A queerly inscribed sheet of paper
He acted kind of funny
Funny
In a comical manner;
She acted comically
Funny
Producing a weird sensation.
This drink left a funny taste in my mouth.
Funny
Pertaining to humor.
He has a funny sense of humor.
FAQs
Which is more commonly used in speech?
Funny is more commonly used.
Which is broader in terms of meaning, Funny or Comical?
Funny is broader, while Comical often relates to absurdity.
Is Comical derived from the word comedy?
Yes, it relates to or resembles comedy.
Can Funny be used as a noun?
Yes, as in "he's a funny."
Can Funny describe something suspicious?
Yes, as in "something funny is going on."
Can Funny have a negative connotation?
Yes, when referring to something odd or suspicious.
Is Comical only about visual humor?
No, it can describe situations, behaviors, or spoken humor too.
Can Funny describe tastes and sensations?
Yes, like "this tastes funny."
Is Comical always about laughter?
Mostly, but it emphasizes silliness or absurdity.
When should I use Comical over Funny?
When emphasizing the absurd or exaggerated nature of humor.
Are both Funny and Comical subjective terms?
Yes, what one person finds funny or comical, another might not.
Are all comical situations funny?
Generally, yes, but not all funny situations are necessarily comical.
Can I use Funny and Comical interchangeably?
Sometimes, but they have nuances, so context matters.
Can a person's behavior be described as Funny?
Yes, if it evokes laughter or seems odd.
Does Comical always imply exaggerated humor?
Often, but not always.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
