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.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories Tony Martinez as Pepino Garcia Tony Martinez portrayed Pepino, the McCoys’ farmhand who often served as comic relief. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 31 May 2025 Whatever the obstacles of the day, Rahim’s children always gave him and his wife, Madina, some comic relief. Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2025 Posey goes full comic relief with her loopy-snooty Victoria; the actress’ take on a North Carolina drawl is an amusingly bizarre choice. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025 Even Gantu, the film’s scariest presence, is mostly there for comic relief — he has been roped into this plot against his will and only sticks with it because of a bruised ego. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 May 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 13 Jun. 2025.

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