ALLAY Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'allay' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of allay are alleviate , assuage , lighten , mitigate , and relieve . While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms. // allayed their fears

Q: When is it sensible to use 'alleviate' instead of 'allay'?

The synonyms alleviate and allay are sometimes interchangeable, but alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress. // the lotion alleviated the itching

Q: Where would 'assuage' be a reasonable alternative to 'allay'?

Although the words assuage and allay have much in common, assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable. // ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

Q: When is 'lighten' a more appropriate choice than 'allay'?

In some situations, the words lighten and allay are roughly equivalent. However, lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight. // good news would lighten our worries

Q: When could 'mitigate' be used to replace 'allay'?

While in some cases nearly identical to allay , mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful. // the need to mitigate barbaric laws

Q: When would 'relieve' be a good substitute for 'allay'?

The words relieve and allay 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

allay

verb

a-ˈlā

Definition of allay next

as in to alleviate

to make more bearable or less severe a gentle breeze would allay the heat

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

Some common synonyms of allay are alleviate, assuage, lighten, mitigate, and relieve. While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.

allayed their fears

When is it sensible to use alleviate instead of allay?

The synonyms alleviate and allay are sometimes interchangeable, but alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.

the lotion alleviated the itching

Where would assuage be a reasonable alternative to allay?

Although the words assuage and allay have much in common, assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.

ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

When is lighten a more appropriate choice than allay?

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

good news would lighten our worries

When could mitigate be used to replace allay?

While in some cases nearly identical to allay, mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.

the need to mitigate barbaric laws

When would relieve be a good substitute for allay?

The words relieve and allay 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 allay The commentary helped allay fears from analysts that the relaunch of the pricey Platinum card last fall hadn't gone well. —

Hugh Son, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026 The age difference between the two is the same, two years, and the brother-sister bond may help allay a more competitive dynamic. —

Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026 The pain, anger and uncertainty of Kiffin’s exit should be allayed by Pete Golding’s playoff run. —

Seth Emerson, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2026 But the Monday announcement appeared to allay any fears. —

David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for allay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for allay

Verb

Duren shoved Diabate’s face, and despite people on both sides trying to alleviate the tension, the usually mild-mannered Diabate kept trying to find Duren again.

— Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Oil prices dipped on Tuesday on signs that talks between the US and Iran are alleviating the risk of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, even as the US continues to ramp up pressure on Russia’s oil exports.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026

Definition of alleviate

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all around

allay

allayed

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“Allay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allay. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of allay

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