There are several synonyms for the phrase "take the sting out of something". One of the most commonly used is "soften the blow", which refers to reducing the impact of bad news or a negative situation. Another similar phrase is "lessen the pain", which can be used to describe making something unpleasant or difficult more bearable. Additionally, "ease the burden" can be used when talking about reducing stress or lifting a weight off someone's shoulders. Other synonyms include "alleviate", "mitigate", "pacify", and "to soothe". All of these phrases are used to describe making something less harsh or difficult to deal with.