unburden
verb
un·bur·den
ˌən-ˈbər-dᵊn 
unburdened; unburdening; unburdens
1
: to free or relieve from a burden
They tried to unburden her of her troubles.
2
: to relieve oneself of (cares, fears, worries, etc.) : cast off
When they asked what was bothering him, he welcomed the chance to unburden himself.
Examples of unburden in a Sentence
the crew was frantically unburdening the ship in an attempt to save it
a generous friend unburdened her of that particular financial worry
Recent Examples on the Web
When leaders delegate to stretch people rather than simply unburden themselves, restraint becomes easier to sustain because growth, not speed, is the goal.
—
Alain Hunkins, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
In the car, Henry unburdens himself by telling Yas the full truth about his father’s death.
—Judy Berman, Time, 19 Jan. 2026
Snyder is clearly back in his comfort zone, unburdened by superhero mythology and uncommitted actors, and that assurance shows in the final product.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Jan. 2026
The outlook for Russia’s economy would be rosy, unburdened by sanctions and lost human capital, and made rich by Europe’s once-insatiable demand for its oil and gas.
—Marc Champion, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unburden
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Alain Hunkins, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
In the car, Henry unburdens himself by telling Yas the full truth about his father’s death.
—Judy Berman, Time, 19 Jan. 2026
Snyder is clearly back in his comfort zone, unburdened by superhero mythology and uncommitted actors, and that assurance shows in the final product.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Jan. 2026
The outlook for Russia’s economy would be rosy, unburdened by sanctions and lost human capital, and made rich by Europe’s once-insatiable demand for its oil and gas.
—Marc Champion, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unburden
Cite this Entry
“Unburden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unburden. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unburden
verb
un·bur·den
ˌən-ˈbərd-ᵊn
1
: to free or bring relief from a burden
2
: to free oneself from (as cares)
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