relieve

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of relieve are allay, alleviate, assuage, lighten, and mitigate. While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable.

took an aspirin to relieve the pain

When is it sensible to use allay instead of relieve?

The words allay and relieve can be used in similar contexts, but allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.

allayed their fears

When would alleviate be a good substitute for relieve?

Although the words alleviate and relieve have much in common, alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.

the lotion alleviated the itching

When could assuage be used to replace relieve?

The synonyms assuage and relieve are sometimes interchangeable, but assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.

ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

When might lighten be a better fit than relieve?

The words lighten and relieve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight.

good news would lighten our worries

When is mitigate a more appropriate choice than relieve?

While in some cases nearly identical to relieve, mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.

the need to mitigate barbaric laws

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 relieve Tooth extraction has long been the primary remedy at sanctuaries to help fix bears’ teeth and relieve dental pain. Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025 How and Why These Drugs Are Made When creating drugs to treat menopause symptoms, some specific considerations are kept in mind that include how the drug will interact with fluctuating hormone levels, if the medication can actually relieve hot flashes and sweating, and improve thermoregulation. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 4 June 2025 Tyler Glasnow #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is relieved from the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at Dodger Stadium on April 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025 Evidence suggests that the half-a-billion-dollar project will not relieve congestion in the long term. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for relieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relieve
Verb
  • The agent, already familiar with your size, preferences and style history, evaluates how each option might suit your physique, identifies the best price across retailers and finalizes the purchase, thus conserving your time and alleviating decision fatigue.
    Sandeep Shivam, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • To alleviate the disparity between funders’ donation caps and nonprofits’ need for resources, Godoy suggests nonprofits share services and spaces — such as collectively pitching in for an accountant or having joint office areas — to spur teamwork while cutting costs.
    Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Solid Combustion Experiment Module — Onishi also replaced the sample cartridges for an ongoing fire experiment in Japan's Kibo laboratory, which is aimed at improving the safety of spacecraft and anywhere else astronauts may live when off Earth.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 14 June 2025
  • He’s replaced by Troy Stetcher, a scratch for the first nine Edmonton playoff games, in uniform for the next six and a scratch for the next four.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • That support may have helped secure Trump’s narrow path to reelection.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Even without White, the trio has helped the Fever climb back to .500, as Indiana defeated Chicago, 79-52, in the first WNBA game played at the United Center with a Sky-record 19,496 in attendance.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • With its easy setup and free unlimited storage, family members can instantly share photos from anywhere.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
  • The American heroes who stormed onto Normandy Beach 81 years ago to free Europe from Nazi tyranny are almost all gone now.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Moreover, this isn’t just another limit that will be superseded by the next generation of AI.
    Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • The hope was for federal legislation that would supersede the more than 30 individual state laws that have made governance in college sports nearly impossible.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • In addition to yoga, guests can immerse themselves in floating sound baths, a tranquil, multisensory experience that combines gentle sound therapy with the soothing sensation of water for deep relaxation.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The color expert points out the hue's soothing nature and refreshing vibe that turn an ordinary bathroom into a personal retreat.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • For them, the low exemption amount can result in substantial estate tax liability that could have been mitigated with proper advance planning and structuring.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Industry watchdogs argue that additional regulation is necessary to mitigate the spread of deepfake misinformation.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • That same year, the FDA further eased several conditions with respect to the prescribing and sale of mifepristone.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Faced with growing international pressure, Israel eased its blockade two weeks ago, allowing a small amount of aid to enter Gaza, to be distributed through UN channels as well as through GHF.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Relieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relieve. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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