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 According to Turkiye Today, the objects are on view in the citadel’s Throne Hall and include funerary sculptures, relief objects, and other ancient Roman artifacts. — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 No matter what happens the rest of the way, the relief corps is key to Atlanta having any postseason success. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 14 Aug. 2026 In a letter to Council President Harris-Dawson, the Crenshaw Corridor Business District demanded answers, as well as a request for a business and resident relief fund for those impacted by the prolonged construction and delays. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Little relief is in sight until late this weekend and early next week. — Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relief

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relief

Noun

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
Now, the winner of each bracket final Saturday (Purple and Orange) will advance to the championship Sunday, while the losing teams will play in a consolation game.

— Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of consolation

Noun

California energy regulators have approved new restrictions on replacement tires that vehicle owners can buy, saying that the rules will protect the environment and save money in the long run.

— Tom Wait, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Unai Emery has been planning for the exit of No 1 Emi Martinez for the last two summers, and much detailed work has duly gone into sourcing his replacement.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of replacement

Noun

The Pro shares the same exact dimensions and geometry with the original X-Dome 1+, ensuring the same level of comfort at camp.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2026
Thanks to their premium Italian leather, buttery-soft feel, and all-day comfort, buyers say the shoes offer good arch support.

— Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of comfort

Noun

Wise leaders create cultures that arm employees with the capacity, authority, and encouragement to deliver customer experiences with a surprise.

— Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
As the only manager to steer four different clubs to promotion from the second tier of English football, Neil Warnock has words of encouragement for all those looking to follow in his footsteps during the coming season.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

In the 85th minute, the young winger made his professional debut as a late substitute.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
San Jose’s second-half substitute Preston Judd had a pair of chances after coming on at the hour mark, but the first shot was over the crossbar and the second was saved at point-blank range by Marcinkowski.

— Mercury News, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of substitute

Noun

He was booked into Ventura County Jail for driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury, according to CHP's release.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
The rapid release of stockpiles in the wake of disruption related to the Iran war is raising the operational risks.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of release

Noun

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
Once a deeply impoverished and remote region, Fuping county has been a posterchild for success in Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s poverty alleviation campaign over the previous decade – and officials are keen to continue to find ways to boost growth.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of alleviation

Noun

The decline in mortgage rates over recent weeks has coincided with an ease in oil prices and Treasury yields, which closely track mortgage rates.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
My younger brother and I have comparable values but have never found an ease in each other’s company.

— R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026