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 Removing the threat of a strike at the larger Taichung production site is a relief, which is being reflected in today's more than 3% rally in the Club stock. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 The administration’s decision in mid-October to provide sanctions relief to Russia and apply new pressure on Ukraine amplify this view in Moscow. — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026 Hopefully, there is some relief in sight with the new tax credit now in place. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026 At the meeting, Woodland Mayor Tom Stallard expressed relief at seeing Moreida address the council. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relief

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relief

Noun

The fans who were in line were given free pizza as a consolation for the long wait.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
But that's little consolation for those who are stuck on the outskirts of the job market, knocking on doors that rarely open.

— Scott Horsley, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of consolation

Noun

The university admissions replacement system still has to be designed, and legal changes may be needed — leaving crucial decisions unresolved even as the government seeks to persuade students to end their protests.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Unsupported systems need replacement plans or documented interim controls.

— Aliasgar Dohadwala, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of replacement

Noun

But Smith also had encouragement for Hurts, whom Lynn and the Eagles said should be expected to make a full recovery with treatment from blood thinners that precludes contact activities for the next few months.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Kid Rock's support eventually extended beyond words of encouragement.

— Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

At times, Zukenee’s chameleonic range and ironic language can feel like a shrewd substitute for vulnerability.

— Narsimha Gour Chintaluri, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
America can point to tankers still transiting Hormuz, but shipping that depends on costly military protection and remains under threat is a poor substitute for normal trade.

— Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of substitute

Noun

Judge Michael Sweet sentenced Roderick Earl Sowells, 60, for the murder of David Marcus Jones, 29, of West Sacramento, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
That, however, never happened and an attorney eventually petitioned for his release.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of release

Noun

Megelin Red Light Heating Glove Red light therapy, in context of the hands, has been linked to decreases in joint swelling, improved circulation, and the alleviation of arthritic discomfort.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Today, the region is the focus of extensive central government investment and poverty alleviation efforts.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026