alteration, change, modification - an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another; "the change was intended to increase sales"; "this storm is certainly a change for the worse"; "the neighborhood had undergone few modifications since his last visit years ago"

disembarrassment - something that extricates you from embarrassment

breath of fresh air - a welcome relief; "the new management was like a breath of fresh air"

reduction, step-down, diminution, decrease - the act of decreasing or reducing something

spasmolysis - the relaxation or relief of muscle spasms

detente - the easing of tensions or strained relations (especially between nations)

palliation - easing the severity of a pain or a disease without removing the cause

liberalisation, liberalization, relaxation - the act of making less strict