relief

[ri-leef] / rɪˈlif /

NOUN

remedy, aid; relaxation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alleviation assistance comfort happiness help maintenance reprieve respite satisfaction support

STRONG

abatement amelioration appeasement assuagement balm break breather cheer consolation contentment cure deliverance diversion ease easement extrication fix hand handout letup lift lightening mitigation mollification palliative refreshment release remission rest restfulness softening solace succor sustenance

WEAK

allayment comforting load off one's mind quick fix

Antonyms

STRONGEST

hindrance hurt injury stop unhappiness

STRONG

annoyance check continuation sadness

WEAK

damage pain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When the stoppage finally arrived in the 11th, there was almost a sense of relief.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

Many breathed a sign of relief: Khan and TED “share so many values,” Anderson says at a mid-conference podcast taping.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

Much to the relief of doctors, they all survived.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

Facebook members who responded to the Escondido police online post expressed relief that the mountain lion was not euthanized.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

It was a relief to let all his panic come through in his voice, to sound as scared as he felt.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Vocabulary lists containing relief

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 6

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The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words

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The ACT Reading Test: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 6

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!