as in easing
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
1
as in alleviating
to make more bearable or less severe
an ice pack will relieve the swelling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ridding
to set (a person or thing) free of something that encumbers
the bellhop relieved him of his luggage and led him to the elevator
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in replacing
to take the place of
at daybreak a soldier arrived to relieve the one who had spent the night on guard duty
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 relieving
Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
Here's what to know about the pain-relieving drug and what the legal landscape looks like in Oklahoma.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026
One of the biggest constraints Landowner introduced when recording Assumption was relieving drummer Josh Daniel of his longtime producer duties.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
Baristas told Niccol Starbucks should bring back condiment bars to let customers add their own cream and sugar, relieving pressure from workers fulfilling more complicated orders.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
Chamomile Tea Chamomile tea is soothing and helps relax the gut muscles, relieving bloating.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2026
Packed in six layers is a superior blend of cooling and high-density foam layers that provide pressure-relieving back support.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
On Wednesday, QatarEnergy declared force majeure, a legal term relieving the company from contractual obligations.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026
But one aspect of relieving that only comes with time and experience is learning how to get over a bullpen blowup and be ready to pitch the next day.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
Many agree that relieving economic distress must be an immediate focus, but while some believe that should entail a gradual, socialist-style liberalization of the economy, others want a total transition to free-market capitalism, including more foreign investment and private enterprise.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
Here's what to know about the pain-relieving drug and what the legal landscape looks like in Oklahoma.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026
One of the biggest constraints Landowner introduced when recording Assumption was relieving drummer Josh Daniel of his longtime producer duties.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
Baristas told Niccol Starbucks should bring back condiment bars to let customers add their own cream and sugar, relieving pressure from workers fulfilling more complicated orders.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
Chamomile Tea Chamomile tea is soothing and helps relax the gut muscles, relieving bloating.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2026
Packed in six layers is a superior blend of cooling and high-density foam layers that provide pressure-relieving back support.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
On Wednesday, QatarEnergy declared force majeure, a legal term relieving the company from contractual obligations.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026
But one aspect of relieving that only comes with time and experience is learning how to get over a bullpen blowup and be ready to pitch the next day.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relieving
Verb
-
There are no quick fixes to alleviating the state’s housing woes.—
Jeff Montejano,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
-
But alleviating the fear of the Iranian people is not in itself a plan of action.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
However, the addition of an ingredient or two can turn baking soda into an ant-ridding remedy in a pinch.—
Rabekah Henderson,
The Spruce,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The enduring scent of burning garbage, used as one of the sole means of ridding neighborhoods of their trash.—
Ruth Jean-Marie,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The loss of A’Shawn Robinson is a glaring one at the moment, and replacing the 2024 sack leader should be a priority in April.—
Mike Kaye
March 26,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Gampel, which opened in 1990, has been home to both basketball programs, replacing the old FieldHouse as the on-campus venue.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
While none of this amounts to conscious communication, the hidden network allows plants to share resources and information, helping forests survive as interconnected communities.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Vastnaut One assists these climbs by distributing force through both the hips and knees, helping propel the body upward more efficiently.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Several years later, then-President Abraham Lincoln, a member of the Republican Party, issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, freeing all slaves living in Confederate states who were against the Union.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Mar. 2026
-
After freeing a man who was convicted in a pizza delivery driver’s slaying, the state’s Parole Board has rejected releasing an accomplice who fatally stabbed the food courier.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Iran war, in other words, seems to be superseding earlier grievances and instead uniting disparate extremist forces against the United States.—
Jacob Ware,
Twin Cities,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The Iran war, in other words, seems to be superseding earlier grievances and instead uniting disparate extremist forces against the United States.—
Jacob Ware,
Boston Herald,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The formula relies on colloidal oatmeal, an ingredient known for its soothing properties, to calm irritation while helping the skin retain moisture.—
Hana Hong,
Glamour,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Even rice extracts contribute, delivering soothing hydration with a subtle brightening effect.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Heavy equipment is moving in March from east to west, still clearing the land.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
That bottle of conventional weed killer in your garage is probably doing more than clearing dandelions.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relieving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relieving. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
