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.
Broadway is a pricey place for this kind of burlesque, but the need for comic relief these days is palpable. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 This silent trio is meant to provide big comic relief, pbut there are varying degrees of how broad that comedy can get. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026 But there is also a bit of comic relief. Annika Pham, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026 According to ScreenRant, Silverman's surly character brings some comic relief to the new episodes. Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Comic relief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comic%20relief. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on comic relief

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster