tragicomic

adjective

tragi·​com·​ic ˌtra-ji-ˈkä-mik 

variants or less commonly tragicomical

ˌtra-ji-ˈkä-mi-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or resembling tragicomedy

2

: manifesting both tragic and comic aspects

Examples of tragicomic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Matarrese delves into the history underlying these two women’s longstanding feud and arrives at a tragicomic, inventive meditation on the metaphysical possibility of reconciliation and forgiveness. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026

The tragicomic look at two lives on hold struck a chord; its depiction of a family bickering and bantering, and of the risks of intimacy, felt specific and true. —Alex Barasch, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026

Transcription comes by its tragicomic suspicion of devices honestly. —Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

Cate Blanchett, ‘Blue Jasmine’ (2014) Blanchett delivers an enjoyably tragicomic turn in Woody Allen's dramedy as a booze-swilling, Xanax-popping hot mess. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tragicomic

• anatomic
• antidromic
• astronomic
• autonomic
• cryptogamic
• diatomic
• economic
• ergonomic
• gastronomic
• monatomic
• psychonomic
• subatomic