Synonym Chooser

How is the word alleviate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of alleviate are allay, assuage, lighten, mitigate, and relieve. While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.

the lotion alleviated the itching

When would allay be a good substitute for alleviate?

While the synonyms allay and alleviate are close in meaning, allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.

allayed their fears

When is assuage a more appropriate choice than alleviate?

The meanings of assuage and alleviate largely overlap; however, assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.

ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

When might lighten be a better fit than alleviate?

While in some cases nearly identical to alleviate, lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight.

good news would lighten our worries

When is it sensible to use mitigate instead of alleviate?

In some situations, the words mitigate and alleviate are roughly equivalent. However, mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.

the need to mitigate barbaric laws

When can relieve be used instead of alleviate?

The words relieve and alleviate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable.

took an aspirin to relieve the pain

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of alleviate Ginger and turmeric boast several health benefits, including supporting immune function, relieving pain, and alleviating nausea.1314 Using olive oil and apple cider vinegar as bases adds to the health profile of this dressing and complements its distinct tangy flavor. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025 This change comes as the Trump administration’s TSA looks to alleviate some of the hassles of travel, and just last week began rolling out a new security lane exclusively for active-duty service members. Preston Mizell, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025 Soy, often found in moisturizers and after-sun lotions, can also help your skin retain more water, research shows, while options like a calamine lotion or 1% over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can alleviate symptoms such as itching and discomfort. Korin Miller, SELF, 7 July 2025 However, using a bed rail can alleviate a few worries and give parents peace of mind while sleeping. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for alleviate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alleviate
Verb
  • Troy Morrow − whose 76-year-old mother suffered facial fractures and a concussion after being knocked to the pavement by Raleigh's son during the incident − was visibly relieved after the jury in Hamilton County Municipal Court announced its decision.
    Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
  • Diana Medrano, a resident of Mosier Valley since 2012, said she was relieved Peoples came to visit.
    Kamal Morgan July 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Reducing your carb intake can help lessen blood sugar spikes.
    Christina Manian, Health, 14 July 2025
  • Goodall’s research on chimpanzees helped revolutionize how the world viewed primates and humanity.
    Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • This approach, the companies say, not only mitigates legal risk but establishes a higher standard for the ethical use of AI in media.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • For these reasons, Austin’s flood risk through Wednesday is mitigated.
    Justin Ballard, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Garlic’s many health benefits include immunity support, soothing inflammation, and boosting collagen production.
    Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • The writer-director made sure all players honored poker rules and that movies were playing so anyone mad about a poker loss could soothe their financial pain.
    Samantha Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The forum comes one day after Detroit City Council approved regulatory changes to ease the burdens of obtaining a business license in the city.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 9 July 2025
  • Even if paroled in Washington, California has active murder charges pending, Pack explained, working to ease concerns for those who are worried about public safety if he is paroled.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alleviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alleviate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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