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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 Since more than 60% of severe reactions occur outside the safety of the home kitchen, this portable device could serve as a vital protective measure, providing an easy way to mitigate life-threatening risks in unpredictable environments. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026 In the study, Yale School of Medicine, or YSM, researchers discovered elevated GLO1 levels in the brains of animals with excessive levels of cellular calcium, finding that the brain increased GLO1 expression as a protective mechanism to mitigate the effects of the calcium dysregulation. Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2026 In a series of community workshops, stakeholders proposed establishing an African American museum to mitigate the redevelopment’s adverse impacts on historic resources in the Black community. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Jan. 2026 More than ever, the Pats must leverage their strengths, such as Drake Maye’s deep ball, and mitigate their weaknesses, like their pass rush. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mitigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mitigate
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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on mitigate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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