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

Gregory Solomon, a kindly, kooky, antiques dealer in his 90s whom Victor found in the phone book, provides both high comic relief and an outsider’s perspective on the value of these objects that once meant so much to the family. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026

The character introduced as youthful comic relief became an enduring piece of the series’ optimistic picture of the future. — Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026

While the exchange adds brief comic relief, what sounds like affectionate teasing is also a warning of what’s to come. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

But even in this serious conversation, Angie can always give us a moment of comic relief (intentionally or not). — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for comic relief

• beef
• brief
• chief
• fief
• grief
• leaf
• lief
• reef
• reif
• seif
• sheaf
• thief