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

3

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 This email was sent in the context of advice the Duchess was given to try to assuage Epstein and his threats. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025 This email was sent in the context of advice the duchess was given to try to assuage Epstein and his threats. Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025 Though he was initially troubled to find his image being used on Sora 2, the implementation of new guardrails around consent seem to have assuaged his concerns. Katie Campione, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025 This led to fervent talk about our perpetual lack of funds, the ravages of late capitalism, and how to assuage said ravages. Sam Lipsyte, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assuage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assuage
Verb
  • In deeply unequal ways, the new era of networked industrialization and electrification began to alleviate the conditions of scarcity that had rendered many communities so vulnerable to the climatic disruptions of the LIA.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Many analysts had speculated Milei would, once the election was out of the way, tilt toward a floating currency — alleviating pressure on the nation’s trade position.
    Daniel Flatley, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While protein bars may never be as delicious as candy bars, these picks will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Everything from the glossy caramel drizzle to the satisfying crunch is a little messy, but totally charming, just like you.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hoping to appease the authorities, Jin and his family moved to the US – and when the harassment toward church members in Beijing continued, Jin decided to return to China later that year while his family stayed behind.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The statement could have also been to appease producer groups to some extent who are against these import ideas.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lower policy rates relieve pressure on floating-rate borrowers and can compress credit spreads before earnings estimates move.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Beijing would be relieved that the United States is no longer muddying and in fact strengthening its nonsupport for independence.
    STEPHEN WERTHEIM, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Drinkwitz has helped the Tigers get talented players and stay in contention, but Mizzou will always have a difficult path in the SEC.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The Air Force's largest military cargo aircraft was used to lift an amphibious screw tractor to the site to help with ice removal.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The cool temperature may also soothe sore gums.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Aloe vera instantly soothes dryness, while jojoba, camellia, and almond oils keep your lips plush, soft, and supported.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Keep in mind that this spike and subsequent crash can be mitigated by pairing fruit juice with high-protein, high-fiber foods, which slow glucose release into the bloodstream, resulting in more stable blood sugar levels.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Oct. 2025
  • But the United States can mitigate the risk by consistently encouraging vigilance about China’s threat to Taiwan.
    STEPHEN WERTHEIM, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Liverpool eased their Champions League jitters by thrashing Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday; now for the Premier League.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But for consumers, higher wages on paper do not appear to have eased the sting of rising prices, according to several recent surveys.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Assuage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assuage. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on assuage

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!