RELIEF Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

relief

noun

ri-ˈlēf

Definition of relief

as in consolation

a feeling of ease from grief or trouble my coworkers' kind words gave me some relief from the grief that I was feeling upon the death of my partner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in replacement

a person or thing that takes the place of another I can't go home from my nursing shift until my relief shows up to take over

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in comfort

reduction of or freedom from pain the aspirin gave him some relief from the headache

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 relief When plans for an LAX people mover were announced in 2018, Angelenos released a collective sigh of relief. — Oren Peleg, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026 Economists aren’t expecting much relief on the inflation front. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 For even more cooling properties and pressure relief, consider the brand’s upgraded luxe memory foam mattress. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026 The weather service warns that heat illnesses could be an impact of high heat and humidity, with little relief during the evening hours. — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relief

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relief

Noun

The meager platoon was a consolation from Lord Borros, who claims to be too busy repelling the Dornish to come to his queen’s aid.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 July 2026
The combativity award for his efforts on Saturday will be scant consolation.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of consolation

Noun

That could mean returning replacement shares or paying their current value, including dividends and other distributions that would have accrued.

— Mark Lewyn, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2026
After losing one young defensive tackle for the season, the Miami Dolphins quickly got to work on finding a replacement.

— David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of replacement

Noun

Designed with pretty pleats and a billowy silhouette, this A-line style delivers a polished look without sacrificing comfort thanks to its ruffled elastic waistband.

— Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026
There’s still a common misconception that comfort and elegance are two separate concepts, but loafers and mom jeans are two wardrobe staples that prove otherwise.

— Michel Mejía, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of comfort

Noun

Officials are asking residents to continue to pray and send words of encouragement and support to those affected by the flooding.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Spacing of races will be important as encouragement for participation in the six-race series in a five-month span.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

Their dense texture makes oyster mushrooms a preferred meat substitute in many dishes.

— Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026
Now that it's disappeared from store shelves, longtime devotees have launched a petition to bring it back, flooded social media with disappointment and searched for substitutes.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of substitute

Noun

The release came as calls are growing from other countries, including Myanmar's fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, for access to or engagement with Suu Kyi as part of efforts to resolve the country's political crisis.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
This release offers insights into labor-market tightness by showing the number of job openings and hires, along with a breakdown of why employees left their jobs (quits, layoffs and discharges, and other separations such as retirement).

— Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of release

Noun

Once a deeply impoverished and remote region, Fuping county has been a posterchild for success in Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s poverty alleviation campaign over the previous decade – and officials are keen to continue to find ways to boost growth.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Chinese diplomats and the foreign ministry say that their outreach in the region is aimed at building friendship and assisting countries with poverty alleviation, agricultural and economic development, and law and order.

— Didi Kirsten Tatlow, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026

Definition of alleviation

Noun

The focus is not only on smaller ships, but also on the ease of unpacking once and visiting multiple destinations, while enjoying the restaurants, spa, service, and design found at a luxury resort.

— Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Venus enters Libra and your 11th House of Friends and Community, bringing ease, charm, and mutual support into friendships, groups, and shared goals.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026