as in placating
tending to lessen or avoid conflict or hostility
we had been feuding with the people next door, so inviting them to the party was intended as an appeasing gesture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in comforting
to lessen the anger or agitation of
a game often appeases an upset toddler
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of appeasing
Sarah Fitzpatrick, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
But then appeasing tradition and upending it both at once, which certainly is the pragmatic philosophy of Lyric, always is a tricky matter.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
But, arguably, many of them have been accomplished by appeasing the concerns of the massive and powerful voting bloc of homeowners.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
The smooth Italian leather looks buttery and luxurious, while the simplicity of the silhouette is appeasing my favorite sleek, clean aesthetic.
—Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
Parents are questioning whether four years and six figures are worth it, especially as campuses are increasingly overtaken by chaos, radical activism, and administrators more concerned with appeasing ideological mobs than educating students.
—Riley Gaines Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
And yet, beneath the veil of politeness, there was rhetoric from the US president that suggests his default position in negotiations is still to pressure Kyiv, while appeasing Moscow.
—Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025
The move is aimed at appeasing moderate Republicans who are trying to force votes, through what is known as a discharge petition, on separate pieces of legislation to extend the tax credits for one to two years with reforms.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
If Administration officials are more concerned with appeasing Putin than securing real peace, then the President ought to find new advisors.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 24 Nov. 2025
Verb
Cuba’s president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, publicly acknowledged discussions between the two governments last week and pledged a series of reforms aimed at appeasing Washington, a concession that indicated both the urgency of the domestic crisis and the vulnerability of the regime.
—Sarah Fitzpatrick, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
But then appeasing tradition and upending it both at once, which certainly is the pragmatic philosophy of Lyric, always is a tricky matter.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
But, arguably, many of them have been accomplished by appeasing the concerns of the massive and powerful voting bloc of homeowners.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
The smooth Italian leather looks buttery and luxurious, while the simplicity of the silhouette is appeasing my favorite sleek, clean aesthetic.
—Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
Parents are questioning whether four years and six figures are worth it, especially as campuses are increasingly overtaken by chaos, radical activism, and administrators more concerned with appeasing ideological mobs than educating students.
—Riley Gaines Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
And yet, beneath the veil of politeness, there was rhetoric from the US president that suggests his default position in negotiations is still to pressure Kyiv, while appeasing Moscow.
—Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025
The move is aimed at appeasing moderate Republicans who are trying to force votes, through what is known as a discharge petition, on separate pieces of legislation to extend the tax credits for one to two years with reforms.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
If Administration officials are more concerned with appeasing Putin than securing real peace, then the President ought to find new advisors.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 24 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appeasing
Verb
-
Throughout the evening, the cast and EPs spoke about how special the show feels to them to make, while also praising its wholesome, comforting warmth.—
Abby Stern,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
-
In globalization, concreteness in English is comforting.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Even Meloni’s fiercest political opponent, Elly Shlein, head of the opposition Democratic Party, made a rare conciliatory comment about her.—
Barbie Latza Nadeau,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Magyar's statement was likely greeted with pleasure by many across the European Union, who had grown accustomed to Orbán's conciliatory tone when discussing the war or Putin.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In your opinion, should the shop have handled this differently—perhaps compensating or at least placating me?—
Hartford Courant,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
-
If Paul’s creed is essentially Roman, then Christianity looks, from the outset, like a religion trained to live with empire, its compass always set toward placating power.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The London Symphony Orchestra and the Escolania de Montserrat i Cor Cambra Palau de la Música Catalana choir bolster the album, their arrangements ranging from anxious and erratic to soothing and hypnotic.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
2 May 2026
-
The five sophisticated rooms channel a Switzerland-meets-Ibiza vibe, with plush bedding, soothing gray accents, and funky graphic art.—
Lisa Kadane,
Travel + Leisure,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
His smarts and willingness to do the dirty work are coach-pleasing qualities.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Lululemon's choice of Heidi O'Neill as CEO isn't pleasing everyone.—
Emma Hinchliffe,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But statement that seems so benevolent can be anything but.—
Kathy and Ross Petrass,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
-
With the eventual blessing of his benevolent landlords, Grattan has completely transformed the rental unit— widening doorways, upgrading electrical systems, and reimagining every wall and ceiling.—
Sam Cochran,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Time them intentionally — energizing adaptogens work best in the morning; calming ones fit better in the evening.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
-
Coloring helps Kathy with her dementia, calming her anxiety and helping stimulate cognition.—
Janet W. Lee,
NPR,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
The close-ups of the fans who did stay in pain, looking away in disgust and consoling one another, were powerful.—
Joe Prince-Wright,
NBC news,
13 Mar. 2026
-
State media has repeatedly shown Kim honoring returning North Korean soldiers who fought for Russia and consoling the families of those killed.—
Will Ripley,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Appeasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appeasing. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
