1
: the state of being comfortable: such as
a
: freedom from pain or discomfort
b
: freedom from care
c
: freedom from labor or difficulty
d
: freedom from embarrassment or constraint : naturalness
known for his charm and ease of manner
e
: an easy fit
2
: relief from discomfort or obligation
3
: facility, effortlessness
did it with ease
4
: an act of easing or a state of being eased
eased; easing
1
: to free from something that pains, disquiets, or burdens
trying to ease her of her worries
2
: to make less painful : alleviate
ease his suffering
3
a
: to lessen the pressure or tension of especially by slackening, lifting, or shifting
ease a spring
b
: to maneuver gently or carefully
eased himself into the chair
c
: to moderate or reduce especially in amount or intensity
ease a flow
4
: to make less difficult
ease credit
5
a
: to put the helm of (a ship) alee
b
: to let (a helm or rudder) come back a little after having been put hard over
1
: to give freedom or relief
2
: to move or pass slowly or easily
—often used with a directional word (such as over or up)
the limo eased up in front of the house
3
a
: to become less intense, vigorous, or engaged : become moderate
—usually used with up or off
told her staff to ease up a little
expected the storm to ease off
ease up on fatty foods
b
: to apply less pressure
—usually used with up or off
ease up on the accelerator
c
: to act in a less harsh manner
—usually used with up or off
decided to ease off on enforcement
Synonyms
Examples of ease in a Sentence
Noun
the sunburn medication brought me instant ease
a gymnast who can handle even the most demanding moves on the parallel bars with total ease
Verb
trying to ease my troubled mind
The diplomats failed to ease tensions between the two nations.
Authorities are looking for ways to ease prison overcrowding.
The government is expected to ease travel restrictions.
Recent Examples on the Web
Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
Perched comfortably by a fireplace on a mid-century modern couch surrounded by views of 57th Street and Central Park on the invitation-only VIP 10th floor of the Landmark flagship in New York City, Tiffany & Co. CEO Anthony Ledru seemed perfectly at ease.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2025
Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
But many Americans are still not easing on the economy, despite his promises.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ease 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
While several Trump secretary nominees have sailed to confirmation with relative ease ‒ outside of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who needed Vice President JD Vance to break a tie in the Senate ‒ the fate of Kennedy, Gabbard and Patel remains unclear.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
Perched comfortably by a fireplace on a mid-century modern couch surrounded by views of 57th Street and Central Park on the invitation-only VIP 10th floor of the Landmark flagship in New York City, Tiffany & Co. CEO Anthony Ledru seemed perfectly at ease.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
Aptiv, an auto parts supplier, declined 7.61%, and engine maker Cummins eased 2.71%.
—Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
But many Americans are still not easing on the economy, despite his promises.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ease
Dictionary Entries Near ease
Cite this Entry
“Ease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ease. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ease
1 of 2 noun1
: freedom from pain or trouble : comfort of body or mind
a life of ease
2
: freedom from any feeling of difficulty or embarrassment
speak with ease
3
: skill that does not require a lot of hard work
rides a horse with ease
Medical Definition
ease
verb
eased; easing
1
: to free from something that pains, disquiets, or burdens
eased and comforted the sick
2
: to take away or lessen : alleviate
took an aspirin to ease the pain
: to give freedom or relief (as from pain or discomfort)
a hot bath often eases and relaxes
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