ease 1 of 2

Definition of easenext
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as in to loosen
to make less taut the rock climber eased the rope a little so that his fellow climber had room to maneuver

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 ease
Verb
The average long-term mortgage rate eased for the second week in a row, but remains elevated compared with this time last year. Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 There isn’t much room to ease into the season when some of the country’s top teams are seeing this caliber of competition before the first weekend is over. Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
The theft of four paintings by Renaissance master Antonello da Messina from a Sicilian museum has prompted suspicions of mafia involvement, given the startling speed and ease of the high-stakes crime, Italian authorities said on Monday. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 According to the European Union in 2024, there is real disparity across the continent when looking at the frequency and ease of digital payments. Td Bank, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ease
Verb
  • Slow disintegration also appears in a triptych of videos by Ismail Ghanbari (facilitated by Tala Madani but not credited as a collaboration).
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Treasury's statement noted that violations can carry civil or criminal penalties, and that foreign financial institutions facilitating transactions for those sanctioned under one of the relevant executive orders could face secondary sanctions.
    Richard Escobedo, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • New chairman Kevin Warsh has suggested tightening at the long end of the yield curve—the very thing Bessent is now trying to loosen—helps the Fed read market signals.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • So will a flood of 401(k) money, thanks to loosening rules about what investments belong in Americans’ retirement accounts.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Jaissle is looking to bring in an experienced midfielder to succeed Guimaraes, with Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez a clear target, which should alleviate some of the expectation on Steur.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Arriaga came to Hemphill’s practice for a routine procedure to alleviate a tongue tie.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Proponents say such a system can reduce response time in the face of gun violence or a medical emergency.
    Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than having dog kennels lined up across from each other like in traditional shelters, the New Leash on Life design will have kennels on one side facing a hallway to reduce barking and stress.
    Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The researchers’ models suggest that areas near the escarpment could have lost as much as 8 kilometers of rock, with erosion decreasing farther away from the ancient cliff.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • An early positive working relationship has been struck with Ross Wilson, the sporting director, and the pair usually speak multiple times every day, although their volume of conversations may decrease slightly once the transfer window closes.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • American consumers have been struggling with soaring beef prices for over two years now, but the elevated cost of livestock has been a relief for those ranchers, who feel they’re finally being paid fairly for their work.
    Max Saltman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • When Allie and Owen decide to bump their rumpy-pumpy to next year, in order to get to know each other better, there is a relief in their compliance, like exhausted toddlers who have stopped fighting bedtime.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Each man showed a willingness to play with abandon, pay attention to defensive detail (coverage and puck pursuit) and perform any role asked.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • While his four bandmates are largely stationary, Oyoque throws himself — and his flowing hair that hangs well past his shoulders — around the stage with the abandon of an Olympic medalist.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The product is intended for people navigating screen-heavy workdays, mental fatigue, travel, irregular routines, or periods of rest before returning to focused tasks.
    William Jones, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Indeed, the lounge has value to both airlines and passengers beyond rest and relaxation.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ease. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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