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.

If it does continue, it could serve as a relief valve at a time when high oil prices have been pushing inflation higher.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

A widely used supplement marketed for joint pain relief may be linked to faster progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to new research from the University of Florida.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

But the broader tech rebound and a sigh of relief over the Middle East appear to have legs with stock futures pointing to more gains and oil prices lower again overnight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

A genuine efficiency breakthrough, or a pause in data-center capital spending, would reprice both sides of this market fast: relief for the consumer-facing companies, and a reckoning for suppliers valued for permanent scarcity.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

I could see the relief on Grandpa’s face.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

Vocabulary lists containing relief

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 6

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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!