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dark comedy

American  

noun

  1. a play, movie, etc., having elements of comedy and tragedy, often involving gloomy or morbid satire.

  2. a comedy based on problems of a personal or social nature.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bernard previously appeared in Broadway’s “Cult of Love,” which she described as a dark comedy that was both very brutal and very funny.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

A dark comedy is only as successful as its bleakest jokes.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

Other highlights of the opening day included debut director Louis Paxton's dark comedy "The Incomer," which is infused with Scottish folklore.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

Close behind Mike White’s dark comedy anthology series was Netflix’s limited series “Adolescence,” with five nominations.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

Her diary entry the next day makes her teamwork with Dina—whom Zhenya adored—sound like a kind of dark comedy duo.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

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