Can you make a case for "mitigate"?

Good writing uses strong verbs. Strong verbs are usually short. Thus, I strongly dislike the word “mitigate.” In fact, I can’t think of any time that I’d use mitigate instead of a synonym.

Some of my favorite synonyms for “mitigate” in the context of an investment or wealth management article include 
*  Cut
Ease
Reduce

Can you think of a case where it would be essential to use “mitigate” instead of a synonym? I’d like to know.

2 replies
  1. sam
    sam says:

    I can hear Johnny Cochran now: “Mitigate or litigate!” Honestly, you raise a great point about short, simple words. The only exception I imagine is if you’re using some sort of device like alliteration or (as above) rhyming…but we try to be sparing with those, right?

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