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

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

Aside from providing some comic relief, Fennell’s revision also fast-tracks the marriage plot that severs Cathy and Heathcliff.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

“What seemed like little more than comic relief held enormous ramifications,” wrote Mattson in his 2009 book.

From Slate • Dec. 30, 2024

The thing is, we never saw him as a person, just as an object of comic relief.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman