dark comedy
Americannoun
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a play, movie, etc., having elements of comedy and tragedy, often involving gloomy or morbid satire.
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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.
A dark comedy is only as successful as its bleakest jokes.
From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026
The next year, his feature “The Wife” — a dark comedy once again written, directed by and starring Noonan — was a nominee for the same Sundance Grand Jury Prize.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026
In Madeline Cash’s dark comedy, a married couple’s new arrangement has unpredictable effects on their three children.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 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
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
