comedian

Stage laugh performer

A comedian is someone who performs comedy—telling jokes, doing impressions, or otherwise trying to make audiences laugh.

Stand-up comedians work alone on stage with a microphone.

The word also applies more broadly to anyone who habitually cracks jokes: He's the comedian of the family.

In older usage, comedian meant any comic actor, especially in theater.

genres

slapstick

Exaggerated physical humor

roast · mockumentary · dramedy · physical · blue · clean · alternative · surreal · absurdist · dark

wit

clever

Showing mental quickness

  • wordplayVerbal wit techniques
  • punsJokes using sound similarities
  • quipsBrief witty remarks

banter · dry · deadpan · droll · sardonic · self-deprecating · observational · timing · rapport · raconteur

standup

mic

Portable audio input

set · timing · delivery · heckler · club · gig · one-liners · observational · bit · persona

performance

entertainer

One who amuses others

cabaret · vaudeville · variety · revue · showmanship · charisma · presence · tour · festival · late-night

satire

parody

Satirical imitation

spoof · mockery · caricature · social commentary · critique · skewering · ridicule · political · topical · punditry

improv

spontaneity

Acting without forethought

ensemble · troupe · audience · participation · scene · games · suggestion · sketch · workshop · repartee

laughter

guffaw

Boisterous burst of mirth

cackle · howl · roar · belly laugh · chortle · crack-up · hilarity · hysterics · tears · applause

Categories
Opposites
dramatic register

comediantragedian

Actor of serious drama

dramatic actor · method actor · Shakespearean actor · character actor · thespian

emotional effect

comediantragedian

Actor of serious drama

mourner · eulogist · weeper · doomsayer · pessimist

disposition toward humor

comediangrinch

Pleasure-ruining curmudgeon

killjoy · wet blanket · party pooper · buzzkill · spoilsport

Phrases
Family

comedic, comedies, comedians, comedienne, comedically, comediennes

Familiarity
Top 20,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G