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.

---

Etymology

Origin of comic relief

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

comic relief

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

Some of them—say, Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino’s 2012 motorcycle crash with a female employee–even get milked for comic relief.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 13, 2025

“Depending on the sensitivity and openness of the viewer, it can sometimes be grotesque, or it can be funny,” he adds about a disturbing dinner scene laced with comic relief.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 2025

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

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