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Dictionary.com
Definitions

lightening

[lahyt-n-ing] / ˈlaɪt n ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
comforting
Synonyms
STRONGEST
encouraging reassuring refreshing soothing
STRONG
abating allaying alleviating assuaging consoling curing freeing inspiriting invigorating mitigating relieving remedying restoring revitalizing revivifying softening solacing succoring sustaining tranquilizing upholding warming
WEAK
analeptic consolatory health-giving heart-warming
Antonyms
WEAK
aggravating depressing dispiriting distressing disturbing irritating upsetting worrying
ADJECTIVE
lessening
Synonyms
STRONG
abating declining depreciating diminishing dropping dwindling ebbing lowering moderating narrowing plummeting plunging quieting sagging shrinking sinking slackening slowing slumping softening subsiding waning wasting weakening
WEAK
dying down fading away losing momentum shriveling up wearing down wearing off
NOUN
palliation
Synonyms
STRONG
abatement alleviation amelioration appeasement assistance assuagement balm break breather cheer comfort consolation contentment cure deliverance diversion ease easement extrication fix hand happiness help letup lift maintenance mitigation mollification palliative refreshment release remission reprieve respite rest restfulness satisfaction softening solace succor support sustenance
WEAK
allayment comforting load off one's mind quick fix
Antonyms
STRONG
aggravation annoyance check continuation depression discontent discouragement dissatisfaction gloom harm hindrance hurt injury irritation misery obstruction sadness stop unhappiness
NOUN
relief
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alleviation assistance comfort happiness help maintenance reprieve respite satisfaction support
STRONG
abatement amelioration appeasement assuagement balm break breather cheer consolation contentment cure deliverance diversion ease easement extrication fix hand handout letup lift mitigation mollification palliative refreshment release remission rest restfulness softening solace succor sustenance
WEAK
allayment comforting load off one's mind quick fix
Antonyms
STRONGEST
hindrance hurt injury stop unhappiness
STRONG
annoyance check continuation sadness
WEAK
damage pain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The data, from the workforce analytics and productivity-tracking software company ActivTrak, found that AI is making workloads more intense, not lightening them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

The BBC this month reported on the dangers posed by illegal skin lightening products and their prevalence.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

“If you think you’ve weathered the storm, we’re probably not through it all. If you can’t handle it, consider lightening up your positions,” he added.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 5, 2026

Gupta, Smyth and Armlovich have all publicly opposed a rent freeze, unless some other action is taken to ease landlord expenses like lightening property taxes or insurance costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

Outside, in the distance, the little girls were moving about in the gradually lightening meadow, their arms filled with flowers.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry