v. 25B6; verb
lightening the burden of taxation : MAKE LIGHTER, lessen, reduce, decrease, diminish, ease; alleviate, mitigate, allay, relieve, palliate, assuage.
an attempt to lighten her spirits : CHEER (UP), brighten, gladden, hearten, perk up, lift, ginger up, enliven, boost, buoy (up), uplift, revive, restore, revitalize.
increase, depress.