UNBURDENS Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

unburdens

verb

present tense third-person singular of unburden

as in unloads

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 relieves

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 unburdens In the car, Henry unburdens himself by telling Yas the full truth about his father’s death. — Judy Berman, Time, 19 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unburdens

Verb

Down the street, metal striking concrete rattles the air as a repairman unloads a ladder.

— Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2026
In the ad, Yang unloads on his therapist, played by comedienne Ana Gasteyer, about his guilt over gatekeeping a really fantastic beauty product from the group chat.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of unloads

Verb

But after a pack of orcas mortally wound the sperm whale, his father’s voice relieves him of that guilt.

— Patrick Gomez, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Oct. 2026
Trump, Zelensky, and European leaders need to organize their actions in a way that relieves pressure on the Ukrainian economy while showing growing willingness to exploit critical Russian vulnerabilities.

— Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of relieves

Verb

Depriving the plant of light discourages the development of chlorophyll—the green plant pigment responsible for color—and rids the chicory of an unpleasant flavor.

— Tamar Adler, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
Their body care kit gets to the root of smooth skin with a trio of products including a pre-sluff bar that rids it of lotions and oils, a washable textured mitt that sloughs off dead cells and a eucalyptus-scented body lotion that loads it with hydration while making your bathroom smell like a spa.

— Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026

Definition of rids

Verb

Some industry analysts believe drivers will be more willing to pay for technology that frees up their time behind the wheel.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
The strengthening formula reduces hair loss from breakage, plus frees the scalp of buildup, diminishes shedding, and makes hair look thicker.

— Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of frees

Browse Nearby Words

unburdening

unburdens

unburnable

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unburdens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unburdens. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unburdens

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

reticent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes