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Definitions

relieve

[ri-leev] / rɪˈliv /
VERB
make less painful; let up on
Synonyms
STRONGEST
allay alleviate assuage calm comfort cure diminish ease free mitigate relax soothe subdue
STRONG
abate appease break brighten console decrease divert dull interrupt lighten moderate mollify palliate qualify quiet salve slacken soften solace temper vary
WEAK
take load off one's chest take load off one's mind
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aggravate agitate annoy distress excite grow hurt incite increase intensify irritate provoke rouse upset vex worry worsen
STRONG
allow darken depress enlarge stay trouble
WEAK
accuse blame burden condemn discourage harm injure pain
VERB
help; give assistance
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assist
STRONG
aid spell succor support sustain
WEAK
bring aid give a break give a hand give a rest stand in (for) substitute for take over from take the place of
Antonyms
WEAK
accuse blame burden condemn discourage harm hurt injure pain trouble upset worry
VERB
remove blame, responsibility
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absolve free
STRONG
deliver discharge disembarrass disencumber dismiss dispense excuse exempt privilege pull release spare unburden yank
WEAK
force to resign let off throw out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
hold
STRONG
detain employ engage hire imprison keep maintain push
WEAK
accuse blame burden condemn discourage harm hurt injure pain trouble upset worry

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.

A model of how one of GluBio’s experimental ‘molecular glue’ drugs causes two proteins in the human body, WIZ and cereblon, to stick to each other in a way designed to relieve sickle cell disease.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

“This is the only place where I can relieve the stress.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

It was reminiscent of Roger Federer at his best, able to relieve pressure and deflate opponents by serving his way out of trouble.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

"Speaking both as a scientist and as a family member of people affected by chronic pain, the potential to relieve suffering without fueling the opioid crisis is exciting."

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

If one had been outside to relieve oneself already, the second exit was only harder.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

Vocabulary lists containing relieve

The Circuit

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How I Became a Ghost

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Slam!

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