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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Either way, Druski blessed us all with some spot-on comic relief this week. Christine Imarenezor, VIBE.com, 13 Jan. 2026 The moment brought some comic relief, breaking the tension inside the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 12 Jan. 2026 Arnett, Cooper, and Mark Chappell cowrote the screenplay, and Cooper portrays Balls, Alex's actor friend who serves as the film's comic relief. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Jan. 2026 Dustin was just the smart comic relief. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025 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 28 Jan. 2026.

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