Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of mitigate are allay, alleviate, assuage, lighten, and relieve. While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.

the need to mitigate barbaric laws

Where would allay be a reasonable alternative to mitigate?

The synonyms allay and mitigate are sometimes interchangeable, but allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.

allayed their fears

When could alleviate be used to replace mitigate?

While in some cases nearly identical to mitigate, alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.

the lotion alleviated the itching

When might assuage be a better fit than mitigate?

While the synonyms assuage and mitigate are close in meaning, assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.

ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

When would lighten be a good substitute for mitigate?

In some situations, the words lighten and mitigate are roughly equivalent. However, lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight.

good news would lighten our worries

When can relieve be used instead of mitigate?

The words relieve and mitigate 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 mitigate Even as the broad market S & P 500 has seen a sharp reversal from its April lows, there's still a case to be made for steady income-paying stocks , which can help mitigate volatility in a portfolio. Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 7 July 2025 Raising those levels helps mitigate that process and shields brain cells from damage. New Atlas, 6 July 2025 Financial stress significantly impacts mental health, increasing suicide risk, but social support can help mitigate these effects. Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 5 July 2025 Experts advise dressing in layers and staying hydrated to mitigate the effects of extreme cabin temperatures. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for mitigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mitigate
Verb
  • DeSantis stressed the facility is both temporary and necessary to alleviate burdens on the state’s law enforcement agencies and jails, which have seen an influx in migrants amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
  • To alleviate lawmakers who said the change risked the collapse of many rural hospitals, the Senate ultimately included a new $50 billion fund to support rural hospitals.
    Elena Moore, NPR, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The facility intends to relieve overcrowding in local jails and support President Donald Trump and his administration’s mass deportation initiative.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2025
  • The governor said the detention centers will relieve pressure on county jails holding inmates facing deportation.
    Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • It’s helped stop disease outbreaks, revolutionize agricultural practices, and in some cases, promote democracy.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 1 July 2025
  • Each of the wand attachments is made of tourmaline ceramic to help heat the hair evenly and reduce heat damage.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 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
  • Being prepared also eases the emotional drain and financial instability that can occur when a career curveball, such as a layoff, catches you off guard.
    Kevin Walters, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mitigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mitigate. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mitigate

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