allayed; allaying; allays
1
: to subdue or reduce in intensity or severity : alleviate
expect a breeze to allay the heat
2
: to make quiet : calm
trying to allay their fears
obsolete
: to diminish in strength : subside
Synonyms
Examples of allay in a Sentence
The new advertising campaign is an attempt to allay the public's concerns about the safety of the company's products.
a gentle breeze would allay the heat
Recent Examples on the Web
Washington — Several days after President Biden's shaky debate performance, the president, his campaign and the Democratic Party have failed to allay the concerns of a number of Democratic lawmakers and financial backers.
—
Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 3 July 2024
The president’s performance on Thursday will have done nothing to allay their worries.
—Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 28 June 2024
Some who were addicted to alcohol were provided liquor to allay their cravings and head off withdrawal.
—Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 4 June 2024
The conviction in Wilmington – where the Biden family is considered political royalty – seemed to allay some concerns that the jury might treat Mr. Biden deferentially and acquit him, at least in part because of his family’s prominence.
—Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for allay 
Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 3 July 2024
The president’s performance on Thursday will have done nothing to allay their worries.
—Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 28 June 2024
Some who were addicted to alcohol were provided liquor to allay their cravings and head off withdrawal.
—Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 4 June 2024
The conviction in Wilmington – where the Biden family is considered political royalty – seemed to allay some concerns that the jury might treat Mr. Biden deferentially and acquit him, at least in part because of his family’s prominence.
—Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for allay
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'allay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Allay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allay. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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