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 One significant distinction is that Tylenol does not relieve inflammation; NSAIDs do. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025 ElAttrache recommended a shoulder debridement to relieve the pain Stewart has continued to feel in his shoulder. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025 The packable device loops over your seatback tray table, instantly elevating your legs, relieving pressure from your hips, and creating a more relaxed and comfortable long-haul flight experience. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025 This deep tissue massage relieves tension in my head, neck, and shoulders without any effort. Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relieve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relieve
Verb
  • According to Stacy, the company’s reputation and extensive experience have given them the ability to alleviate any stress or hassles for the homeowner.
    Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025
  • My first infusion was 50 milligrams for 90 minutes, and over time increased to 95 milligrams over 75 minutes, with the addition of magnesium to alleviate anxiety.
    Soph Warnes, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But for Apryl Shackelford, those anxieties have been replaced with opportunity.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Typical seats were replaced with moveable chairs and desks that were suitable but also atypical to Major League setups.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Staffing levels to help in emergencies and maintain trash, restrooms, campgrounds and roads are not guaranteed, according to the National Park Service.
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In other words, the country’s existing industrial and financial ecosystem often helps nascent industries, benefiting both.
    Peter Vanham, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The organization takes care of the back-end logistics, from payroll and setting tuition to lobbying state legislators and navigating local zoning laws, freeing educators to concentrate on their craft.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The kitten was freed from the tire unharmed and reunited with his family.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Very few could supersede Kaprizov in that role.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • So the longevity of her dream somehow supersedes Julia’s dream?
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Choose an exfoliant that has an AHA, such as lactic acid, or other hydrating properties to soothe your skin while exfoliating.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Packed with 49% green tomato extract, glycerin, a six-clay complex (which includes kaolin and bentonite), and cica, this cleanser-mask hybrid clears pores and sweeps away blackheads while also soothing the skin.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Does the emergence of the Mets’ young starters, Nolan McLean in particular, mitigate the need to add a significant starting pitcher?
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In the paper, the authors said that education, prevention strategies and policies aiming to reduce soft drink consumption are urgently required to mitigate depressive symptoms.
    Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Pakistani spot prices eased from 71 to 69 cents/lb or from 16,300 to 15,900 PKR/maund over the past month.
    SJ Guest Editorial, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Policy steps by governments and negotiations with Chinese suppliers have eased some disruption.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Relieve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relieve. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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