Synonym Chooser

How is the word mitigate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of mitigate are allay, alleviate, assuage, lighten, and relieve. While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.

the need to mitigate barbaric laws

Where would allay be a reasonable alternative to mitigate?

The synonyms allay and mitigate are sometimes interchangeable, but allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.

allayed their fears

When could alleviate be used to replace mitigate?

While in some cases nearly identical to mitigate, alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.

the lotion alleviated the itching

When might assuage be a better fit than mitigate?

While the synonyms assuage and mitigate are close in meaning, assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.

ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

When would lighten be a good substitute for mitigate?

In some situations, the words lighten and mitigate are roughly equivalent. However, lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight.

good news would lighten our worries

When can relieve be used instead of mitigate?

The words relieve and mitigate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable.

took an aspirin to relieve the pain

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 mitigate To mitigate its effects, Roscosmos has been keeping the hatch to the module closed when not in use as a docking port for Progress resupply and Soyuz spacecraft. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2025 In his answer to the lawsuit, Walker contends that any liability for damages should be reduced or eliminated if it is revealed that Sevier failed to mitigate his damages and was negligent and/or comparatively at fault. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025 After gathering data, researchers can identify strategies that could eliminate, or at least mitigate, the obstacles—resulting in more eco-friendly behavior that spreads throughout a community. Sarah Scoles, JSTOR Daily, 11 June 2025 Industry watchdogs argue that additional regulation is necessary to mitigate the spread of deepfake misinformation. Andrew R. Chow, Time, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mitigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mitigate
Verb
  • To alleviate the disparity between funders’ donation caps and nonprofits’ need for resources, Godoy suggests nonprofits share services and spaces — such as collectively pitching in for an accountant or having joint office areas — to spur teamwork while cutting costs.
    Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
  • The agent, already familiar with your size, preferences and style history, evaluates how each option might suit your physique, identifies the best price across retailers and finalizes the purchase, thus conserving your time and alleviating decision fatigue.
    Sandeep Shivam, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Therapies can relieve certain underlying issues triggering sleep paralysis, including cognitive behavioral therapy, especially the version for people with insomnia.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
  • There were good reasons why Schaeffer relieved Senzatela of his first-inning duties.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • That support may have helped secure Trump’s narrow path to reelection.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Even without White, the trio has helped the Fever climb back to .500, as Indiana defeated Chicago, 79-52, in the first WNBA game played at the United Center with a Sky-record 19,496 in attendance.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • In addition to yoga, guests can immerse themselves in floating sound baths, a tranquil, multisensory experience that combines gentle sound therapy with the soothing sensation of water for deep relaxation.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The color expert points out the hue's soothing nature and refreshing vibe that turn an ordinary bathroom into a personal retreat.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Higher oil prices from the Middle East conflict likely further reduce the odds the Fed will ease monetary policy anytime soon.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 June 2025
  • Chase impressed us all with his stamina, good spirits, and ease around grown-ups.
    Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Mitigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mitigate. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mitigate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!