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.
Unfortunately for him, points weren’t given for comic relief. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025 After the splat, Emerson’s unnerving, unflappable gaze switches the atmosphere from comic relief to white-knuckle suspense. Dan Reilly, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2024 In the film, Glinda at times brings comic relief amid more heavy-hitting themes such as discrimination, representation and acceptance. Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024 With absolutely no disrespect to the legend that is (was) Debra Jo Rupp’s comic relief, the show immediately clicks into a higher gear once Rio quite literally claws her way back into the show. Caroline Framke, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near comic relief

Cite this Entry

“Comic relief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comic%20relief. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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