1
as in unloading
to empty or rid of cargo
the crew was frantically unburdening the ship in an attempt to save it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in relieving
to set (a person or thing) free of something that encumbers
a generous friend unburdened her of that particular financial worry
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unburdening
The narrator observes that being able to share the big secret with someone brings unburdening relief.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Prevc is left with only history after unburdening the weight of his promise.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
But Nevils is doing more than just unburdening herself.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
Of Landfair unburdening herself of the anchor that came with saying her name aloud.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2026
Maybe that’s why companies like RadAI, which focus on unburdening the physician’s workflow rather than subbing in for their expertise, have been so successful.
—Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Prevc is left with only history after unburdening the weight of his promise.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
But Nevils is doing more than just unburdening herself.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
Of Landfair unburdening herself of the anchor that came with saying her name aloud.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2026
Maybe that’s why companies like RadAI, which focus on unburdening the physician’s workflow rather than subbing in for their expertise, have been so successful.
—Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unburdening
Verb
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On Tuesday, the coyote bit a young child twice in front of their home as family members were unloading their car.—
Chelsea Hylton,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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According to the Carson station, the child was bitten twice while family members were unloading a vehicle.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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If a health problem is completely random and isolated, meaning the rest of the family is free from risk, the news can be relieving, if complicated.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
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Many agree that relieving economic distress must be an immediate focus, but while some believe that should entail a gradual, socialist-style liberalization of the economy, others want a total transition to free-market capitalism, including more foreign investment and private enterprise.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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However, the addition of an ingredient or two can turn baking soda into an ant-ridding remedy in a pinch.—
Rabekah Henderson,
The Spruce,
3 Mar. 2026
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The enduring scent of burning garbage, used as one of the sole means of ridding neighborhoods of their trash.—
Ruth Jean-Marie,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That shift is freeing early-career professionals to spend more time on analysis and client-facing work.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
5 Apr. 2026
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In Austin, Texas, where the couple lives, Busby dedicated much of the past few months to freeing his wife.—
Alicia Victoria Lozano,
NBC news,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unburdening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unburdening. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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