Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of mitigate are allay, alleviate, assuage, lighten, and relieve. While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.

the need to mitigate barbaric laws

Where would allay be a reasonable alternative to mitigate?

The synonyms allay and mitigate are sometimes interchangeable, but allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.

allayed their fears

When could alleviate be used to replace mitigate?

While in some cases nearly identical to mitigate, alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.

the lotion alleviated the itching

When might assuage be a better fit than mitigate?

While the synonyms assuage and mitigate are close in meaning, assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.

ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

When would lighten be a good substitute for mitigate?

In some situations, the words lighten and mitigate are roughly equivalent. However, lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight.

good news would lighten our worries

When can relieve be used instead of mitigate?

The words relieve and mitigate 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 mitigate The 22-27 delta strikes in the examples above mitigate this by selecting strikes slightly further out of the money (OTM). Michael Khouw, CNBC, 26 June 2025 Proximity to neighborhood improvements appeared to mitigate some of the negative effects. Wendy Troxel, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2025 That such care could mitigate the conditions that beget crime. Maris Kreizman, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025 Less well known is the fact that the flavonoids in cocoa can help mitigate the stress response from the adrenal glands and the subsequent release of cortisol. Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mitigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mitigate
Verb
  • Wirtz could fit brilliantly into that mould, alleviating the need to sign a top striker, a notoriously difficult market.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Managers often fall into this trap by micromanaging to alleviate their own anxiety, but this erodes trust.
    Brittney Van Matre, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
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
  • At the same time, physical therapy can be immensely helpful for both relieving pain—for instance, via massage techniques—and addressing the muscle tightness or imbalance in the legs that may have contributed to the issue in the first place.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Bird believes that incoming expansion will help remedy the issue.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 20 June 2025
  • A couple was left bewildered after discovering an unfamiliar cat helping itself to their own pet's food in a now-viral TikTok video that has left viewers on the platform in hysterics.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 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

“Mitigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mitigate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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