comic relief

noun

: a relief from the emotional tension especially of a drama that is provided by the interposition of a comic episode or element

Examples of comic relief in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her husband’s reaction added comic relief. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025 His hypnotic dance with a marching band in the finale cemented Milchick as both comic relief and a sinister presence — a balance that earned Tillman his first Emmy nomination and win. Okla Jones, Essence, 15 Sep. 2025 Supporting characters also left their mark, most notably Antonio Fargas as Huggy Bear, the streetwise informant who balanced comic relief with genuine charm. Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Dennis Weaver is believable as Chester, Dillon’s assistant, but is a little too serious where some comic relief could be used to good effect. Hal Landers, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comic relief

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of comic relief was in 1783

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Cite this Entry

“Comic relief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comic%20relief. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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