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

Other surprising moments came with appearances by LeBron James, Travis Scott, Ted Lasso and Channing Tatum, all of which provide some comic relief in the film. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 4 June 2026

Tharmarajah provides a great balance of comic relief and utter poignance, explaining his survival techniques as an orphan, carving out a pragmatic path in life leading to a particular kind of soaring. —David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 June 2026

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

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