Definitions

relief

[ri-leef] / rɪˈlif /

NOUN

remedy, aid; relaxation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alleviation assistance comfort happiness help maintenance reprieve respite satisfaction support

STRONG

abatement amelioration appeasement assuagement balm break breather cheer consolation contentment cure deliverance diversion ease easement extrication fix hand handout letup lift lightening mitigation mollification palliative refreshment release remission rest restfulness softening solace succor sustenance

WEAK

allayment comforting load off one's mind quick fix

Antonyms

STRONGEST

hindrance hurt injury stop unhappiness

STRONG

annoyance check continuation sadness

WEAK

damage pain

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.

The quarter provided relief for the defense sector, which saw competitors’ shares fall 5% to 7% after recent earnings.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

This comes as one-time pandemic relief aid has expired.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

A recovery in stock prices and the beginning of the spring home-buying season could bring some relief, but builders already have sizable inventories of unsold homes.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

Carney has said Canada is prepared to wait things out until its demands are met, such as relief from hefty sector-specific tariffs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

They fell over the little girl, sobbing with relief.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Vocabulary lists containing relief

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 6

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The ACT Reading Test: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 6

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!