assuage

1
2
as in to satisfy
to put a complete end to (a physical need or desire) that huge meal certainly assuaged my hunger

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word assuage different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of assuage are allay, alleviate, lighten, mitigate, and relieve. While all these words mean "to make something less grievous," assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.

ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

When might allay be a better fit than assuage?

While the synonyms allay and assuage are close in meaning, allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.

allayed their fears

When is it sensible to use alleviate instead of assuage?

Although the words alleviate and assuage have much in common, alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.

the lotion alleviated the itching

When could lighten be used to replace assuage?

In some situations, the words lighten and assuage are roughly equivalent. However, lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight.

good news would lighten our worries

In what contexts can mitigate take the place of assuage?

The meanings of mitigate and assuage largely overlap; however, mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.

the need to mitigate barbaric laws

Where would relieve be a reasonable alternative to assuage?

While in some cases nearly identical to assuage, 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 assuage Meanwhile, widow Marta and her teenage daughter Rosa slave away in the kitchen, clean the threadbare bedrooms, and assuage the guests who seem to have holed up there permanently to ride out the war. Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025 Gulf states with strong ties to President Donald Trump are emerging from the war between Israel and Iran with greater regional influence and with some of their longstanding security concerns over Iranian power assuaged. Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 Many industry commentators thought the FTC’s case was unfounded from the beginning, and the trial has done nothing to assuage their concerns. Mackenzie France, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025 And the presence of other parties, presumably some Arab states, and the location of this consortium outside Iran would go far in assuaging some of Israel’s concerns. Daniel C. Kurtzer, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for assuage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assuage
Verb
  • Shriners Hospitals for Children have also alleviated the financial burden on the Petersons by covering the costs of Hadley's medical procedures, some of which would normally cost tens of thousands of dollars.
    Analisa Novak, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • And if its alleviating dryness in the air, look no further than Levoit’s humidifier which adds moisture with ease.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • To satisfy presidential demands, field offices are directed to meet new daily arrest quotas—75 arrests per office—raising agency-wide targets to 1,200–1,500 arrests per day, up from only about a few hundred.
    Juwayriah Wright, Time, 15 July 2025
  • Chickpea Cookie Dough Chickpea cookie dough is high in protein and sure to satisfy a craving for sweetness.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • The courtroom was so overcrowded at one point that town officials warned the building might collapse, prompting the judge to set up a temporary court outside to appease the masses.
    Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 10 July 2025
  • But on Wednesday, Ghiz said the hearing was held entirely to appease Bennett's client, a drug dealer who had demanded that Bennett argue his case in court.
    Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Troy Morrow − whose 76-year-old mother suffered facial fractures and a concussion after being knocked to the pavement by Raleigh's son during the incident − was visibly relieved after the jury in Hamilton County Municipal Court announced its decision.
    Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
  • Designed for a couch-like feel, this bed helps relieve pressure on your dog’s joints.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Reducing your carb intake can help lessen blood sugar spikes.
    Christina Manian, Health, 14 July 2025
  • They’re packed with minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that can help with their development and provide a prolonged and healthy life.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Bathed in soothing grey tones, the 190 guest rooms and suites are configured with an open layout and oversized ceiling-to-floor windows.
    Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Trump had sought to deliver peace by soothing U.S. relations with Russia and distancing Washington from Ukraine, but now sees himself as misled by Putin.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • This approach, the companies say, not only mitigates legal risk but establishes a higher standard for the ethical use of AI in media.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • For these reasons, Austin’s flood risk through Wednesday is mitigated.
    Justin Ballard, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The city would also have to implement measures to fast-track developments with affordable housing in more affluent, majority-white neighborhoods by easing zoning restrictions and approvals, per the agreement, sources who were privy to the negotiations said.
    Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
  • Being prepared also eases the emotional drain and financial instability that can occur when a career curveball, such as a layoff, catches you off guard.
    Kevin Walters, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assuage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assuage. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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