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.
Even then, Golden says the logistics of quitting often became a source of comic relief. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 Peter Jurasik played Centauri ambassador Mollari for the show’s entire run, charting his slide from comic relief into a man undone by his own ambition. — Jp Mangalindan, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026 Ser Simon, steward of Harrenhal, was a bit of comic relief in a show that seems allergic to the stuff. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Cretton explained that he was drawn to Trevor Slattery due to the depth that Kingsley brought to character that otherwise could have just been comic relief. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 15 June 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

Rhymes for comic relief

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Browse Nearby Words

comic paper
comic relief
comic spirit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Comic relief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comic%20relief. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on comic relief

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about comic relief

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