relieve

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of relieve are allay, alleviate, assuage, lighten, and mitigate. While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable.

took an aspirin to relieve the pain

When is it sensible to use allay instead of relieve?

The words allay and relieve can be used in similar contexts, but allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.

allayed their fears

When would alleviate be a good substitute for relieve?

Although the words alleviate and relieve have much in common, alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.

the lotion alleviated the itching

When could assuage be used to replace relieve?

The synonyms assuage and relieve are sometimes interchangeable, but assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.

ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

When might lighten be a better fit than relieve?

The words lighten and relieve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight.

good news would lighten our worries

When is mitigate a more appropriate choice than relieve?

While in some cases nearly identical to relieve, mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.

the need to mitigate barbaric laws

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 relieve There is no antiviral drug or treatment that can cure measles, but medical care can help relieve symptoms. Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 9 July 2025 For a Headache Anecdotal evidence suggests a warm shower can also help relieve headaches. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025 Per her doctor’s instructions, the queen sipped a liquid form of cannabis to relieve her monthly menstrual symptoms. Sam Kelly, Time, 8 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for relieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relieve
Verb
  • Shriners Hospitals for Children have also alleviated the financial burden on the Petersons by covering the costs of Hadley's medical procedures, some of which would normally cost tens of thousands of dollars.
    Analisa Novak, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • And if its alleviating dryness in the air, look no further than Levoit’s humidifier which adds moisture with ease.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Andrew Vorhees is the clear favorite to replace Patrick Mekari at left guard and Nate Wiggins will be a Day 1 starter at outside corner in place of Brandon Stephens.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Both are members of the court's liberal wing, and will replace the conservative who currently holds the position.
    Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • This helps incorporate air into the batter and helps the cake rise in the oven.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • His 32 homers have helped keep the Dodgers in first place, but he’s hit just three of them during the month of July.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The raptor stayed on top of her, even as the woman’s partner tried to free her.
    Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • And, of course, using social media less could also free up more time for parents to spend playing with their kids.
    Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Some countries have specific legislation that supersedes private contractual arrangements, effectively nullifying termination clauses regardless of the circumstances that trigger them.
    Mohaimina Haque, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Federal, state and even municipal policy will supersede churches’ best efforts to support and perhaps even shield immigrations.
    Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 2 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
  • 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
  • The city would also have to implement measures to fast-track developments with affordable housing in more affluent, majority-white neighborhoods by easing zoning restrictions and approvals, per the agreement, sources who were privy to the negotiations said.
    Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 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

“Relieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relieve. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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