Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of alleviate are allay, assuage, lighten, mitigate, and relieve. While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.

the lotion alleviated the itching

When would allay be a good substitute for alleviate?

While the synonyms allay and alleviate are close in meaning, allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.

allayed their fears

When is assuage a more appropriate choice than alleviate?

The meanings of assuage and alleviate largely overlap; however, assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.

ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

When might lighten be a better fit than alleviate?

While in some cases nearly identical to alleviate, lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight.

good news would lighten our worries

When is it sensible to use mitigate instead of alleviate?

In some situations, the words mitigate and alleviate are roughly equivalent. However, mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.

the need to mitigate barbaric laws

When can relieve be used instead of alleviate?

The words relieve and alleviate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable.

took an aspirin to relieve the pain

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 alleviate But there are better ways to work with AI that can alleviate this burden—or at least share it. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 17 June 2025 The Army Corps of Engineers, the lead agency overseeing wildfire cleanup, has overseen federal contractors in clearing wreckage away from more than 3,200 properties, alleviating some of those worries. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025 Seward wanted the war to be framed in this manner to alleviate the concerns of border states and to leave room for a peaceful reunion with the South. Zaakir Tameez june 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025 Sleep paralysis can be significantly alleviated with several practices or treatments, Walker said — starting with healthy sleep habits, for one. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alleviate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alleviate
Verb
  • Proponents of the bill argued those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives to relieve their suffering.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
  • Oil prices fell on Friday, in a likely sign that traders were relieved that Trump decided to delay conflict with Iran for two weeks.
    Ben Weiss, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Bird believes that incoming expansion will help remedy the issue.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 20 June 2025
  • And some newer conversion kits act something like a treadmill mounted to your bike, using rollers to help propel your wheel forward.
    Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, Wired News, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Travelers are mitigating these risks by purchasing travel insurance, booking flexible tickets, and researching destinations.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • The company mitigates unforeseen delays by keeping its customers consistently in the loop.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • But for some people prolonged rest can seriously put their spine through the wringer, causing a painful stiffness that only movement can soothe.
    Katie Camero, SELF, 20 June 2025
  • Great as a hostess or housewarming gift, the soap works even better when taking the form of a self-care purchase that will soothe your skin with shea butter.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • In recent weeks, Trump has rolled back some of his steepest levies, easing costs imposed upon companies and alleviating concern about a sharp surge of inflation.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 27 June 2025
  • Ultimately, mastering this approach not only enhances your sales performance but positions your company among the industry's top-tier, significantly easing future recruitment and fueling sustainable growth.
    Ryan Hohman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alleviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alleviate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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