Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases by Peter Mark Roget

softening, alleviation, mitigation, palliation, soothing, lullaby. solace, consolation, comfort, encouragement. lenitive, restorative &c (remedy) 662; cushion &c 215; crumb of comfort, balm in Gilead. V. relieve, ease, alleviate, mitigate, palliate, soothe; salve; soften, soften down; foment, stupe†, poultice; assuage, allay. cheer, comfort, console; enliven; encourage, bear up, pat on the back, give comfort, set at ease; gladden the heart, cheer the heart; inspirit, invigorate. remedy; cure &c (restore) 660; refresh; pour balm into, pour oil on. smooth the ruffled brow of care, temper the wind to the shorn lamb, lay the flattering unction to one's soul. disburden &c (free) 705; take a load off one's chest, get a load off one's chest, take off a load of care. be relieved; breathe more freely, draw a long breath; take comfort; dry the tears, dry the eyes, wipe the tears, wipe the eyes. Adj. relieving &c v.; consolatory, soothing; assuaging, assuasive†; balmy, balsamic; lenitive, palliative; anodyne &c (remedial) 662; curative &c 660. Phr. here comes a man of comfort [Measure for Measure].