as in conciliatory
tending to lessen or avoid conflict or hostility
a future son-in-law using mollifying flattery to overcome a bad first impression
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in appeasing
to lessen the anger or agitation of
an apology would probably mollify your friend
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alleviating
to make more bearable or less severe
a friendly gesture that did a lot to mollify their suspicions about the new neighbor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mollifying
Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026
By many accounts retailers were pleased with their level of business Thanksgiving Day through Saturday, mollifying some concerns that higher prices and economic uncertainties would put a big dent in holiday spending.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 30 Nov. 2025
Verb
The first generation of parents to have resorted, at least occasionally, to mollifying their children by putting digital screens in their hands has now seen those kids grow up.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026
By many accounts retailers were pleased with their level of business Thanksgiving Day through Saturday, mollifying some concerns that higher prices and economic uncertainties would put a big dent in holiday spending.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 30 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mollifying
Adjective
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But for many Lebanese — especially Shiites who form the backbone of Hezbollah’s support — Iran’s willingness to go to war for Hezbollah contrasts sharply with the government’s conciliatory policies toward Israel, and not in the government’s favor.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
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Bilton attempted to set a conciliatory tone at Monday's meeting — his first with the show.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Over the past months, Iranian officials have tried to carefully balance negotiations with Trump while appeasing factions across the country’s diverse political landscape, including the Paydari group.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
Court life required appeasing those in power, often rulers with little understanding of music.—
Chip Bell,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Verb
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The free meals program, costing about 268 trillion rupiah ($15 billion) for this year alone, is aimed at alleviating poverty and malnutrition but Prabowo recently fired the head of the program amid a massive graft probe.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
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Those who have worked on the issue say immigration policy can play a crucial role in alleviating the lack of physicians if the White House or Congress chooses to take positive steps.—
Stuart Anderson,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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The set comes in over 10 colors, including a summer-ready coral and soothing sage green.—
Better Homes & Gardens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 June 2026
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There’s a cosmic irony in referencing Yoshimura, whose soothing compositions were famously commissioned to accompany showrooms for model homes in Japan in the 1980s and have since become synonymous with domestic comfort.—
Harry Thorfinn-George,
Pitchfork,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Numerous foods possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can support joint health.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
12 June 2026
-
The craniectomy, which removed 40 percent of her skull, saved Erbert's life by relieving pressure caused by the hematoma, a collection of blood that had formed from a burst blood vessel.—
Kathleen Perricone,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 June 2026
Adjective
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Let your senses guide wise spending, and favor one durable tool that makes your routine feel comforting while still keeping you productive.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
Autumn brings crisp air, colorful foliage in the forests and arboretums, roaring fires, and comforting, warming dishes.—
Lindsay Cohn,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
Verb
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His father has still given him credit for helping reach young voters through social media platforms and influencers like streamer Adin Ross.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
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Lockheed Martin leaders also discuss the role of artificial intelligence in helping analyze data faster, identify potential threats, and support timely responses.—
Paid Content by Lockheed Martin,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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Sadly, Pennywise is not a benevolent creature.—
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
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Others prioritize self-interest, often cloaked in benevolent language.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mollifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mollifying. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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