1
as in to unload
to empty or rid of cargo
the crew was frantically unburdening the ship in an attempt to save it
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to relieve
to set (a person or thing) free of something that encumbers
a generous friend unburdened her of that particular financial worry
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Recent Examples of unburden
Sunday’s starter, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, went about his business, unburdened by offensive support once again.
—
Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
One of the billionaire V.C.’s favorite books was 1997’s The Sovereign Individual, which encourages elites to unburden themselves from nationhood through foreign citizenship.
—Alison Boleyn, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
This week is an invitation to unburden, reflect, and reclaim your energy.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 20 July 2025
Nowadays, the market is replete with accordion-style fans: confirming that, while their spinning counterparts might unburden your wrist, nothing ever beats the dramatic flair.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unburden
Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
One of the billionaire V.C.’s favorite books was 1997’s The Sovereign Individual, which encourages elites to unburden themselves from nationhood through foreign citizenship.
—Alison Boleyn, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
This week is an invitation to unburden, reflect, and reclaim your energy.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 20 July 2025
Nowadays, the market is replete with accordion-style fans: confirming that, while their spinning counterparts might unburden your wrist, nothing ever beats the dramatic flair.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unburden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unburden
Verb
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For indoor storage, guns should be kept unloaded and locked in appropriate safes or lockboxes for handguns, with ammunition in a separate safe, the AAP recommends.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
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Coast Guard members unloaded bales of cocaine from the cutter Midgett at the Marine Terminal in Barrio Logan on Thursday.—
San Diego Union-Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Supporters say the plan will relieve traffic congestion and improve the region’s infrastructure.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
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Leonard was relieved from the podium, and went about the rest of his afternoon.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unburden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unburden. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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