Definition of mitigatenext

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 During a defendant's sentencing phase, defense attorneys are duty-bound to present mitigating evidence that could spare their client from a death sentence. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 29 June 2026 Of that, $2 million will support the department's ongoing efforts to mitigate invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay. Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 29 June 2026 There are also worries that there are not yet adequate guardrails in place to mitigate data privacy and security risks. Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 Cook Children’s Aim for Safety program provides education and resources for parents with the goal of mitigating these incidents. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mitigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mitigate
Verb
  • The House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill on June 23 seeking to alleviate a growing housing crisis by streamlining construction regulations, encouraging local innovation, and limiting investor purchases of homes, among other steps.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • According to the European Commission, the duty-free de minimis exemption was introduced in order to alleviate administrative burdens for customs authorities and businesses, but the digitalization of customs procedures has ameliorated that issue.
    Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Cuas relieved pitcher Matt Strahm in the eighth inning and limited the Rays to just two hits and one run.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Malik Tillman was the hero, relieving the pressure of a 1-0 goal lead with just 10 men on the field with his brilliant free kick.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Rodríguez said on Saturday night that 24 countries had sent aid and more than 2,700 rescuers were in the country to help with search operations.
    Alfredo Meza, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
  • Batches of limited stock sales will be allowed in the coming months, however, and some real estate agents and bankers are putting together workarounds to help expectant millionaires leverage their future gains to secure loans.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Share a meaningful story with a mentor or a relative far away, because seeing the bigger picture can soothe worries and recenter your priorities.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
  • The Pineapple Punch Hydrating Face Mask is a single-use, two-piece yellow hydrogel mask infused with ingredients that deliver hydration and soothing benefits.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Despite hot, humid conditions, a respectable crowd has already gathered, with organizers expecting attendance to grow as temperatures ease later this evening.
    Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • This would let traffic flow, which is so necessary for the vitality and economy of Chicago; provide a safer route for bikers; and ease the frustration of all of those on the streets of Chicago.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mitigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mitigate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on mitigate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster