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

She manages comedy much better than sincerity but Coiro knows how to work around it, punctuating her big speeches with quick cutaways to comic relief so we don’t dwell on them too much.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 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

Giggly Squad podcast hosts Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo are set to bring comic relief to the main stage and chat about their book “How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2025

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

From Slate • Dec. 30, 2024

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

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