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 With Herro expected to miss at least the first month of the regular season after undergoing surgery on Friday to alleviate posterior impingement syndrome in his left ankle, Rozier could actually get an opportunity to earn some playing time early in the schedule. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025 City officials claimed the bike path would alleviate traffic caused by the store. James Burling, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025 In Johansson’s case, her leather coat stands in contrast to her satin pants, alleviating some of the tension between the two competing shades. Glamour, 24 Sep. 2025 And here is this ability to alleviate the stress. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alleviate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alleviate
Verb
  • Supporters say the plan will relieve traffic congestion and improve the region’s infrastructure.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Leonard was relieved from the podium, and went about the rest of his afternoon.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Staffing levels to help in emergencies and maintain trash, restrooms, campgrounds and roads are not guaranteed, according to the National Park Service.
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In other words, the country’s existing industrial and financial ecosystem often helps nascent industries, benefiting both.
    Peter Vanham, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Does the emergence of the Mets’ young starters, Nolan McLean in particular, mitigate the need to add a significant starting pitcher?
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In the paper, the authors said that education, prevention strategies and policies aiming to reduce soft drink consumption are urgently required to mitigate depressive symptoms.
    Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Choose an exfoliant that has an AHA, such as lactic acid, or other hydrating properties to soothe your skin while exfoliating.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Packed with 49% green tomato extract, glycerin, a six-clay complex (which includes kaolin and bentonite), and cica, this cleanser-mask hybrid clears pores and sweeps away blackheads while also soothing the skin.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Pakistani spot prices eased from 71 to 69 cents/lb or from 16,300 to 15,900 PKR/maund over the past month.
    SJ Guest Editorial, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Policy steps by governments and negotiations with Chinese suppliers have eased some disruption.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alleviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alleviate. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

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