RELIEF Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

relief

noun

ri-ˈlēf

Definition of relief

as in consolation

a feeling of ease from grief or trouble my coworkers' kind words gave me some relief from the grief that I was feeling upon the death of my partner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in replacement

a person or thing that takes the place of another I can't go home from my nursing shift until my relief shows up to take over

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in comfort

reduction of or freedom from pain the aspirin gave him some relief from the headache

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 relief There was little information on survivors on the Chinese side, where the death toll rose to five Friday as state media showed evacuations of villages and leaders’ efforts to direct the relief response. — Niranjan Shrestha, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 That said, the exact penalties that qualify depend on the type of relief. — Jamela Adam, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Lows down in the 80s will finally provide some form of overnight relief. — Tevian Whitehurst, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026 After the earthquakes, American Airlines transported relief supplies to Venezuela on a Boeing 737. — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relief

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relief

Noun

Perhaps chalking the loss up to an off-shooting night serves as a consolation for the Liberty in a matchup where everything else went wrong.

— Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026
Only one thing gave Ruiz the kind of consolation that was truly the obverse of his physical pains, and that was the sacred figure of the Virgin Mary.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of consolation

Noun

Sanctioning that deal was always dependent on Liverpool being able to recruit a suitable replacement for the Netherlands international at an acceptable price.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
That began a career-threatening battle with back injuries that includes seven surgeries since 2014 — several microdiscectomies, a 2017 lumbar fusion and most recently a lumbar disc replacement performed in October 2025.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of replacement

Noun

Some help surgeons operate with greater precision, while others disinfect rooms, transport supplies, assist patients during rehabilitation, or provide comfort to people who are distressed.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
The Quince Italian Leather Glove Ballet Flats were designed with comfort in mind.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of comfort

Noun

Angela recalled him providing clothing, shoes and money to people experiencing homelessness, along with the words of encouragement that came naturally to him.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
As captured by a parent, a note that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sent to its graduates includes kind words and encouragement from the star.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

With substitute Danny Imray, another new face at The Racecourse Ground, setting Ekomie up for his first goal in English football, Wrexham look well served in what has been a key area throughout Parkinson’s five years at the helm.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Somehow, this all dovetails with the fact that Davis and Friend were themselves substitutes for Greta Lee and Andrew Scott, who were cast as the leads when the film was announced in 2024.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of substitute

Noun

Toward the end of the ’70s the alleviation of rural poverty took center stage.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026
But his legacy of poverty alleviation in the early 2000s may be working against him today, with public expectations around the economy high.

— Constance Malleret, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of alleviation

Noun

Errands, chores, or work needs may bump against your desire for ease, beauty, or personal space.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
Omoone Oversized Denim Jacket This biker-style denim jacket is a packing must for its lightweight design and ease of layering.

— Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026