allay

[uh-ley] / əˈleɪ /

VERB

reduce something, usually a pain or a problem

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alleviate assuage calm ease lessen mitigate mollify pacify

STRONG

abate compose decrease lighten moderate quiet square

WEAK

cool out make nice play up to pour oil on take the bite out take the sting out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aggravate agitate incite increase intensify irritate upset worry worsen

STRONG

enlarge

WEAK

provoke stir

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If you suspect you’ll have a high tax bill, filing an extension probably won’t allay your concern.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

Spanish officials have sought to allay concerns about the ship's arrival, laying out in detail the containment precautions being taken.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

Executives of KKR on Tuesday sought to allay concerns about the firm’s private-credit business.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Huge job cuts may not allay recurring concerns about Meta’s spending.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Even brave acts could not allay the fear: the consuming fear that ruled him whenever he had to face Bull Meecham boy to man.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Vocabulary lists containing allay

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Grade 11, List 6

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Twelfth Night

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