Synonyms for

Alleviate

Verb / ʌˈli:vi:ˌeɪt / Another word for alleviate — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to make something less severe or to reduce its effects

Synonyms & similar words

palliate ease relieve assuage facilitate ease reduce lessen mitigate soothe diminish relieve abate palliate moderate calm alleviate assuage allay dull soften blunt pacify

Synonyms by register

Formal

mitigate palliate ameliorate attenuate

Informal

ease up lighten up take the edge off

Literary

assuage allay soften

Antonyms

aggravate worsen intensify exacerbate increase heighten

Common collocations

  • alleviate pain
  • alleviate suffering
  • alleviate poverty
  • alleviate symptoms
  • alleviate pressure
  • alleviate concerns
  • alleviate the situation

Word family

noun alleviation
verb alleviate
adjective alleviative

Usage note

Alleviate is used to describe making something bad less severe, painful, or difficult. It is often used in formal contexts, particularly in medicine and economics.

Example sentences

  1. He took some medicine to alleviate his pain.
  2. The new policy will help alleviate the traffic congestion.
  3. We need to find ways to alleviate poverty in our community.
  4. The cooling breeze helped alleviate the heat.
  5. She tried to alleviate her anxiety by taking deep breaths.

Quotes

  • The pain of the mind is worse than the pain of the body. - Publilius Syrus
  • One cannot weep for the entire world, it is beyond human strength. One must choose. - Jean Anouilh
  • It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen. - John Wooden

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