Synonym Chooser

How does the verb mollify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mollify are appease, conciliate, pacify, placate, and propitiate. While all these words mean "to ease the anger or disturbance of," mollify implies soothing hurt feelings or rising anger.

a speech that mollified the demonstrators

When is appease a more appropriate choice than mollify?

The words appease and mollify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, appease implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions.

appease their territorial ambitions

When might conciliate be a better fit than mollify?

The meanings of conciliate and mollify largely overlap; however, conciliate suggests ending an estrangement by persuasion, concession, or settling of differences.

conciliating the belligerent nations

When is it sensible to use pacify instead of mollify?

While in some cases nearly identical to mollify, pacify suggests a soothing or calming.

pacified by a sincere apology

When could placate be used to replace mollify?

In some situations, the words placate and mollify are roughly equivalent. However, placate suggests changing resentment or bitterness to goodwill.

a move to placate local opposition

Where would propitiate be a reasonable alternative to mollify?

The synonyms propitiate and mollify are sometimes interchangeable, but propitiate implies averting anger or malevolence especially of a superior being.

propitiated his parents by dressing up

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 mollify Indeed, the Australian writer-director laces the film’s many tall tales — like how Pinky’s second husband was eaten by a crocodile right in front of her eyes — with sardonic humor meant to mollify and entertain in equal measure. Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 That did nothing to mollify civic leaders such as Mahan, Torres’ colleagues on the City Council, the San Jose Police Officers’ Association, and the Santa Clara County Democratic Party, all of whom called on Torres to resign from his council seat. Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024 But the war room looked, to some, less like a solution and more like a mollifying stunt—a show put on for the press. Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2024 The anger in his eyes is not mollified by his charcoal suit, blue shirt, black tie, and black dress shoes. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mollify 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mollify
Verb
  • The draft legislation agreed to by most local leaders included a pledge to prioritize the project to appease north Mecklenburg communities burned by past delays.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Political chatter has picked up on Meta’s platforms following a series of moves taken by CEO Mark Zuckerberg that appeared to be aimed at appeasing President Trump.
    Salvador Rodriguez, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • These WMAs are comprised of cropland, forest, lake and wetlands that serve to provide refuge for geese that may help alleviate the effects of hunting.
    GrrlScientist, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • With no viable options for a second scorer to take the load off of Curry, getting either Vucevic or Turner will help alleviate the scoring burden and with lineup versatility.
    Jannelle Moore, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Assisting them with the paperwork for financial assistance can relieve some of their stress.
    Julie Scott, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2025
  • When a man in a suburb of the Greek city of Thessaloniki found an almost meter-tall decapitated body wrapped in a bag in a trash can, he was probably relieved it was made of marble.
    George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • However, four Women’s Championship teams could help reverse the rule.
    Emily Olsen, The Athletic, 28 Jan. 2025
  • They are accused of helping the teen flee from justice.
    Tracy Neal, arkansasonline.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Cushioning these actives are soothing cypress leaf and barrier-restoring Lactobacillus ferment lysate.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Pottery Barn Bunny Wake Up Clock: This sweet bunny plays soothing songs to wake your child up or send them to slumber for nap or bedtime.
    Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Like a financial portfolio manager who diversifies assets to mitigate risk and maximize return, a Cultural Portfolio Manager leverages the varied racial and cultural backgrounds within an organization to create a thriving, innovative and adaptable workplace.
    David D. Ireland, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The Obama Administration had committed to contributing to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which helps developing countries mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • On Tuesday, crude settled below $76 and that will hopefully help ease concerns over a return of inflation.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Advertisement Orders on Monday included opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to oil drilling and easing the regulatory burdens on oil and natural gas production.
    Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mollify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mollify. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mollify

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