UNBURDEN Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

unburden

verb

ˌən-ˈbər-dᵊn

Definition of unburden

as in to unload

to empty or rid of cargo the crew was frantically unburdening the ship in an attempt to save it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to relieve

to set (a person or thing) free of something that encumbers a generous friend unburdened her of that particular financial worry

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 unburden Trump, unburdened by ideals, has looked at the same history and consciously chosen to mimic its worst elements. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 The 19-year-old Russian is the favorite given her form, but Krejčíková, 30, is a fearsome opponent on grass and will enter the match unburdened by pressure. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 30 June 2026 Crucially, though, it’s unburdened by that band’s history. — Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026 But on Wednesday, Mendoza pitched herself as unburdened by political connections with a shot that appeared aimed at Johnson’s link to the Chicago Teachers Union and Giannoulias’ to wealthy political insiders. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unburden

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unburden

Verb

If last week’s Atlanta News First debate discouraged direct confrontations, Tuesday’s Atlanta Press Club showdown gave the two rivals room to unload on each other.

— Adam Beam, AJC.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Sulaeman said that a tanker carrying fuel to Bali suffered an anchor problem while preparing to unload cargo, delaying deliveries to the island’s main fuel terminals.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of unload

Verb

While we are relieved that Heidi has received medical care and is safe, we are outraged by this unwarranted attack on a journalist doing her job and urge a thorough investigation and follow-through from authorities.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
The suddenness of it all was terrifying, even paralyzing, and yet, at the same time, oddly relieving.

— Andrew Lipstein, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of relieve

Browse Nearby Words

unbuilt

unburden

unburdened

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Unburden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unburden. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unburden

verb

Example Sentences

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