[go: up one dir, main page]

allay

Definition of allaynext

Synonym Chooser

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 solid fundamentals of the tech firms leading the market have helped allay concerns about a potential AI bubble. Julia Shapero, The Hill, 27 Nov. 2025 Pain & fear allayed when true magic applied. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Nov. 2025 Fears that thousands flights would be during the Thanksgiving holiday, impacting travel and leisure stocks, now appear to have been allayed. Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025 The vote will also allay investor concern that Musk's focus has been diluted with his work in politics as well as in running his other companies, including rocket maker SpaceX and artificial intelligence startup xAI. Retuers, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allay
Verb
  • Under Obamacare, both states were able to expand Medicaid to include more low-income residents, alleviating counties of patient loads and redirecting much of their funding for the patchwork of local programs that provided bare-bones services.
    KFF Health News, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Reducing caffeine intake can enhance nutrient absorption and alleviate specific digestive symptoms, including discomfort and diarrhea.
    Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • After eight games, Lions Coach Dan Campbell opted to relieve Morton of his play-calling duties and take over for the rest of the season.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Jan. 2026
  • To an extent, Adams is just relieved to have this opportunity on the field.
    Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Conversely, collision coverage helps when your own car is damaged in a crash, whereas medical coverage helps cover treatment costs following an accident.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Additional mortgage purchases by Fannie Mae and Freddie could temporarily help lower mortgage costs, but that approach also could have unintended consequences, according to TD Securities analysts.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • One cozy meal to consider is the Beijing Noodle Soup at Honey Buns Cafe II, which comes with pork, noodles and a variety of vegetables to soothe your cravings for comfort food.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
  • At the same time, hyaluronic acid—the gold standard for hydration—locks in moisture, soothes inflammation, and reduces texture, creating a soft, plump finish.
    Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But efforts to mitigate human harms—restricting harvests, remodeling dams, breeding salmon in hatcheries—are yielding diminishing returns.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Adding milk to coffee may help mitigate this effect.
    Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Panthers will look to establish their run game to ease pressure on Bryce Young.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The review also supports earlier findings that gum chewing can ease stress, but only in certain situations.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Allay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allay. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on allay

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!