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 General Rob Bonta announced Tuesday that his office is seeking civil penalties and equitable relief against the operators of Chiquita Canyon Landfill in Castaic, accusing them of mismanaging its hazardous waste. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 Debt Relief Availability and Enrollment Requirements in Florida Debt relief services are available in Florida, though availability and enrollment requirements vary by provider. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 Pandemic relief legislation in 2021 directed nearly $40 billion to shore up the supply and quality of childcare. — Caitlyn Collins, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026 The money came from federal pandemic relief funds intended to help schools. — Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relief

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relief

Noun

The fans who were in line were given free pizza as a consolation for the long wait.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
But that's little consolation for those who are stuck on the outskirts of the job market, knocking on doors that rarely open.

— Scott Horsley, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of consolation

Noun

The university admissions replacement system still has to be designed, and legal changes may be needed — leaving crucial decisions unresolved even as the government seeks to persuade students to end their protests.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Unsupported systems need replacement plans or documented interim controls.

— Aliasgar Dohadwala, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of replacement

Noun

But Smith also had encouragement for Hurts, whom Lynn and the Eagles said should be expected to make a full recovery with treatment from blood thinners that precludes contact activities for the next few months.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Kid Rock's support eventually extended beyond words of encouragement.

— Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

What subscription biomarker testing cannot replace Experts caution that these panels are a supplement, not a substitute, for primary care.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Severe altitude illness is treated by descending and getting medical care – another cup of coca tea is not an adequate substitute.

— Andrés Henao, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of substitute

Noun

Judge Michael Sweet sentenced Roderick Earl Sowells, 60, for the murder of David Marcus Jones, 29, of West Sacramento, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
That, however, never happened and an attorney eventually petitioned for his release.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of release

Noun

Megelin Red Light Heating Glove Red light therapy, in context of the hands, has been linked to decreases in joint swelling, improved circulation, and the alleviation of arthritic discomfort.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Today, the region is the focus of extensive central government investment and poverty alleviation efforts.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026