I. noun
1.
Synonyms: rest 1, leisure, relaxation, repose, requiescence
Related Word: idleness, inactivity, inertia, inertness, passivity, supinity; calmness, security
Contrasted words: labor, toil, travail; adversity, difficulty; burden, care, worry
2.
Synonyms: unconstraint , abandon, naturalness, spontaneity, unrestraint
3.
freedom from or mitigation of pain
medication brought him instant ease
Synonyms: alleviation, easement, mitigation, relief
Related Word: decrease, diminishment, moderation, reduction; calming, soothing
Contrasted words: discomfort, unrest; agony, pain
4.
Synonyms: readiness 3, facility
Related Word: adroitness, artfulness, cleverness, deftness, effortlessness, expertise, expertness, fluency, knack, poise, skillfulness, smoothness; dispatch, efficiency
Contrasted words: awkwardness, clumsiness, maladroitness, stiffness, woodenness; constraint; inconvenience, pains; exertion
Antonyms: effort
5.
Synonyms: prosperity 2, abundance, easy street, prosperousness, thriving, well-being
II. verb
1.
Synonyms: relieve 1, allay, alleviate, assuage, lighten, mitigate, mollify
Related Word: deaden, dull; ameliorate, help
Contrasted words: afflict, torment
2.
Synonyms: loose 5, ease off, lax, loosen, relax, slack, slacken, untighten
Related Word: disengage, free, release
Contrasted words: bind, restrain, tighten
3.
to make less difficult
new laws that will ease voting requirements
Synonyms: facilitate
Related Word: aid, assist, better, help, improve; forward, further, promote, speed
Idioms: clear ( or prepare) the way (for), grease the wheels, open the door (to or for)
Contrasted words: hinder, impede, retard