comic relief

noun

: a relief from the emotional tension especially of a drama that is provided by the interposition of a comic episode or element

Examples of comic relief in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Angela’s chemistry with daughter Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) is equally vital — the dynamic duo often supplies the series’ comic relief. Kai Naima Williams, Variety, 27 May 2026 So in plays and things, I was always cast as the comic relief, back in my ham-it-up days. Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026 The creators were determined to portray their senior characters as courageous protagonists rather than comic relief. Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026 This time, in addition to his other duties, he was called upon to act as a master of ceremonies in the days when the screen was accompanied by a stage and an emcee to provide some comic relief. Arkansas Online, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for comic relief

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of comic relief was in 1783

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Cite this Entry

“Comic relief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comic%20relief. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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