Which term describes making a situation more bearable or lighter?

The term that best describes making a situation more bearable or lighter is "alleviate." This word specifically means to ease or lessen the severity of something, such as pain, suffering, or a difficult situation. It conveys the idea of providing relief and making an experience less burdensome. For example, one might seek to alleviate stress through various means, such as relaxation techniques or support systems.

In this context, while "relieve" may seem synonymous with alleviation, it is often used in a more specific context relating to relieving someone of a burden or giving aid. The nuance of “alleviate” directly ties to the reduction of intensity or severity, which aligns perfectly with the idea of making a situation lighter.

The other terms do not fit this context: "exacerbate" means to make a problem worse, while "complicate" refers to making a situation more complex and difficult to manage. Thus, "alleviate" is the correct choice when considering how to make a situation more bearable.