reliever

noun

re·​liev·​er ri-ˈlē-vər How to pronounce reliever (audio)
Synonyms of relievernext
: one that relieves
especially : relief pitcher

Examples of reliever in a Sentence

pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen Exercise is a good stress reliever.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
His ability to throw strikes and limit walks fits the reliever profile that the Rangers have sought in the last two years. Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan. 2026 He will always be remembered in Philadelphia for recording two outs on two pitches as a reliever to seal the National League pennant in 2022. Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026 Outside of closer Aroldis Chapman, the Red Sox currently have only two true left-handed relievers on their 40-man roster. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 13 Jan. 2026 That wasn’t the only move Arizona made, though, as the club also agreed to a minor league deal with longtime Yankees reliever Jonathan Loáisiga. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reliever

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reliever was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reliever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reliever. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

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