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.
Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a two-run shot in the ninth against reliever Trevor Richards. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026 Five relievers pitched in Friday’s extra-inning win, including the Braves’ top three relief arms. Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 17 May 2026 Most of the hardest-throwing pitchers now are relievers, who can empty their tanks on each pitch without having to keep anything in reserve for later innings. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 17 May 2026 The team hopes to get Holmes back after the ex-reliever had gotten off to the best start of his career as a starter. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 16 May 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 19 May. 2026.

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