1
: the state of being comfortable: such as
a
: freedom from pain or discomfort
b
: freedom from care
c
: freedom from labor or difficulty
d
: freedom from embarrassment or constraint : naturalness
known for his charm and ease of manner
e
: an easy fit
2
: relief from discomfort or obligation
3
: facility, effortlessness
did it with ease
4
: an act of easing or a state of being eased
eased; easing
1
: to free from something that pains, disquiets, or burdens
trying to ease her of her worries
2
: to make less painful : alleviate
ease his suffering
3
a
: to lessen the pressure or tension of especially by slackening, lifting, or shifting
ease a spring
b
: to maneuver gently or carefully
eased himself into the chair
c
: to moderate or reduce especially in amount or intensity
ease a flow
4
: to make less difficult
ease credit
5
a
: to put the helm of (a ship) alee
b
: to let (a helm or rudder) come back a little after having been put hard over
1
: to give freedom or relief
2
: to move or pass slowly or easily
—often used with a directional word (such as over or up)
the limo eased up in front of the house
3
a
: to become less intense, vigorous, or engaged : become moderate
—usually used with up or off
told her staff to ease up a little
expected the storm to ease off
ease up on fatty foods
b
: to apply less pressure
—usually used with up or off
ease up on the accelerator
c
: to act in a less harsh manner
—usually used with up or off
decided to ease off on enforcement
Synonyms
Examples of ease in a Sentence
Noun
the sunburn medication brought me instant ease
a gymnast who can handle even the most demanding moves on the parallel bars with total ease
Verb
trying to ease my troubled mind
The diplomats failed to ease tensions between the two nations.
Authorities are looking for ways to ease prison overcrowding.
The government is expected to ease travel restrictions.
Recent Examples on the Web
Josh Max, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The Princess Royal, 74, and her son-in-law seem to be at ease in each other's company, and have shared many chats and laughs on the sidelines of Zara's equestrian competitions.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
Getting outside and going on a walk or run is certainly one way to get some fresh air and ease your mind.
—Carolyn Burt, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ease 
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.
Noun
These technical advancements serve to further enhance the ease of operating Vespas.
—Josh Max, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The Princess Royal, 74, and her son-in-law seem to be at ease in each other's company, and have shared many chats and laughs on the sidelines of Zara's equestrian competitions.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
Exercise will ease stress and encourage you to kick back, evaluate and conclude what’s best for you.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
Getting outside and going on a walk or run is certainly one way to get some fresh air and ease your mind.
—Carolyn Burt, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ease
Dictionary Entries Near ease
Cite this Entry
“Ease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ease. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ease
1 of 2 noun1
: freedom from pain or trouble : comfort of body or mind
a life of ease
2
: freedom from any feeling of difficulty or embarrassment
speak with ease
3
: skill that does not require a lot of hard work
rides a horse with ease
Medical Definition
ease
verb
eased; easing
1
: to free from something that pains, disquiets, or burdens
eased and comforted the sick
2
: to take away or lessen : alleviate
took an aspirin to ease the pain
: to give freedom or relief (as from pain or discomfort)
a hot bath often eases and relaxes
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share