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

See Examples For:

comic relief

Bringing some necessary comic relief is the fourth character, a hearty American woman, Cheryl-Ann, played with funny, galumphing exuberance by Donna Lynne Champlin.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 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

Initially, we can’t wait for Iacono’s louse to get eaten but we come to treasure his comic relief, particularly when Xavier wanders off to relieve himself next to a nest of velociraptors.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2025

A bit of comic relief, so to speak.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers