Comic relief is a term used to describe humorous moments in a story that are meant to alleviate tension and provide relief to the audience. Synonyms for comic relief include: light-heartedness, amusement, hilarity, fun, levity, mirth, and jocularity. These terms all suggest an element of humor that is intended to break up the intensity of a serious situation, and to encourage audiences to relax and enjoy the performance without taking things too seriously. Comic relief can also be called a divertissement, a distraction, or a break in the action. Whatever term is used, the purpose of comic relief is always the same - to provide a moment of levity in an otherwise serious story.