comic relief

American  

noun

1. an amusing scene, incident, or speech introduced into serious or tragic elements, as in a play, in order to provide temporary relief from tension, or to intensify the dramatic action.

2. relief from tension caused by the introduction or occurrence of a comic element, as by an amusing human foible.

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Etymology

Origin of comic relief

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

So in plays and things, I was always cast as the comic relief, back in my ham-it-up days.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

Paige’s Mariah is airhead-ish comic relief and fabulous at it.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Finn’s hyperactive sense of smell and bottomless appetite provide lighthearted comic relief, while the descriptions of Chase running are some of the book’s loveliest passages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

This no doubt came as comic relief to the Cuban diaspora in the U.S. who had their property and wealth expropriated years ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

“Enchanted assistant, sidekick, comic relief, et cetera, et cetera,” said Boo.

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi