ALLEVIATE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

alleviate

verb

ə-ˈlē-vē-ˌāt

Definition of alleviate next

as in to relieve

to make more bearable or less severe a car pool alleviates some of the stress of driving the kids to and from school every day

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 For anxious fliers like myself, understanding how officials decide to close and reopen airspace and approve safe flight corridors can help alleviate some of the stress that comes with crisis-mode travel. —

Clare Dight, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026 And, unlike oil, there are no strategic reserves that can be tapped to alleviate a supply crunch and help to put a cap on prices. —

Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026 Did writing the book help alleviate some of those fears for you? —

Amanda Marton Ramaciotti, The Dial, 19 Mar. 2026 Certain eye drops can soothe eyes or alleviate these symptoms. —

Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alleviate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alleviate

Verb

The move marks an effort to relieve pressure on global energy markets, as the conflict spurs major supply disruptions and sends prices soaring.

— J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 22 Mar. 2026
How to relieve allergy symptoms Over-the-counter nasal sprays are among the most effective treatments for seasonal allergies, experts said.

— Kenya Hunter, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026