1
as in consolations
a feeling of ease from grief or trouble
my coworkers' kind words gave me some relief from the grief that I was feeling upon the death of my partner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in replacements
a person or thing that takes the place of another
I can't go home from my nursing shift until my relief shows up to take over
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in comforts
reduction of or freedom from pain
the aspirin gave him some relief from the headache
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 reliefs
From the old mail chute in the lobby to the original grand marble portrait reliefs on the ornate curving staircase, attention to historical preservation adds charm in all the public—and even not-so-public—spaces, like the basement bank safe where the original Coca-Cola recipe once resided.
—
Su-Jit Lin, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
One of the most unexpected reliefs came in the grocery store aisles.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
More impressively, its AI Modeling tools allow anyone to generate 3D models or reliefs from images or prompts, opening the door for newcomers who want to create without mastering traditional modeling software.
—New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025
Anchored by Studio Gypsandconcrete and IDAAF Architects constructivist candleholder designs, the tapered wax flambeaus twist and turn with plantlike reliefs winding up to the top.
—Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 13 Sep. 2025
Existing savings reliefs and incentives tilt heavily in favor of the better off, and are inordinately complicated to boot.
—Clive Crook, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025
There are bas-reliefs at an Angkor temple in Cambodia depicting a 12th-century naval battle between the two sides.
—Michelle Jana Chan, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Feb. 2023
Su-Jit Lin, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
One of the most unexpected reliefs came in the grocery store aisles.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
More impressively, its AI Modeling tools allow anyone to generate 3D models or reliefs from images or prompts, opening the door for newcomers who want to create without mastering traditional modeling software.
—New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025
Anchored by Studio Gypsandconcrete and IDAAF Architects constructivist candleholder designs, the tapered wax flambeaus twist and turn with plantlike reliefs winding up to the top.
—Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 13 Sep. 2025
Existing savings reliefs and incentives tilt heavily in favor of the better off, and are inordinately complicated to boot.
—Clive Crook, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025
There are bas-reliefs at an Angkor temple in Cambodia depicting a 12th-century naval battle between the two sides.
—Michelle Jana Chan, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Feb. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reliefs
Noun
-
Over three nights, hundreds of drivers in both Super Late Model and Open Wheel Modified divisions will battle through prelims on Thursday and Friday, including hot laps, heat races, consolations, and qualifiers, to earn a spot in Saturday’s high-stakes finale.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Dec. 2025
-
There are no consolations to offer the grieving, really, but a squeeze of the hand, or a text, or a phone call, or a card in the mail can be transformative.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
21 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The results point to a future where things like knee braces, exoskeletons, or even joint replacements could be tailored to an individual’s exact joint motion.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
-
As 2026 approaches, more executives are beginning to explore similar forms of digital assistance, not as replacements for human judgment, but as extensions of it.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Working with architect Eric Moser of MK Design Group and builder Allen Patterson of Allen Patterson Builders, the home was inspired by the timeless character of a traditional Lowcountry cottage, while also quietly embracing modern comforts.—
Mina Loudermilk,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
-
This daydream is a rite-of-passage experience, made even better when carried out from the warm comforts of a bubble bath.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In October 2024 ahead of her own stay at MSG, Billie Eilish recorded encouragements to take the subways for environmental benefits.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Hints, counsels, warnings, remonstrations, even encouragements are, in the end, of limited value.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Milk, milk substitutes, plain bottled water, 100% juice, coffee, and drinks prepared at home are not considered soft drinks.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
14 Feb. 2026
-
When Edwards turned to his substitutes’ bench, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was the only senior attack-minded option at his disposal.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Additional premium tiers are planned to launch throughout 2026, alongside upcoming content releases that will be announced at a later date.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The market continued to soften in the days immediately ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday frame, with holdovers accounting for all of the top five titles and no major new releases entering the chart.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reliefs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reliefs. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
