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

The filmmakers forgot to give her an arc, and so she is reduced to tipsy comic relief in a bad wig. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

Among the performers, Smith rules the roost as the no-nonsense Angela, and Jones acquits himself tolerably on comic relief duties as the pathetic Mike. — Caspar Salmon, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

The clever premise provides the opportunity for plenty of high-octane action sequences, including fistfights, shootouts, explosions and car chases, with the hapless Ben providing comic relief from Hank’s Terminator-like indestructibility. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Their armory is formidable; their cash supply, a source of comic relief. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 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