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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb pacify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pacify are appease, conciliate, mollify, placate, and propitiate. While all these words mean "to ease the anger or disturbance of," pacify suggests a soothing or calming.

pacified by a sincere apology

Where would appease be a reasonable alternative to pacify?

The words appease and pacify can be used in similar contexts, but appease implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions.

appease their territorial ambitions

When is conciliate a more appropriate choice than pacify?

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

conciliating the belligerent nations

When could mollify be used to replace pacify?

The words mollify and pacify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mollify implies soothing hurt feelings or rising anger.

a speech that mollified the demonstrators

When might placate be a better fit than pacify?

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

a move to placate local opposition

When is it sensible to use propitiate instead of pacify?

Although the words propitiate and pacify have much in common, 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 pacify The response was Pavlovian, the practice ingrained in her by her own mother, who spent much of her time pacifying her insecure and whiny husband. Literary Hub, 9 July 2025 Although the frustration of supporters is shared internally, there is no sense of panic — which is unlikely to pacify fans understandably impatient for additions following three successive windows without a first-XI signing. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 3 July 2025 In the United States, those advocates on the center left and center right share the view that a militarily powerful United States, with a large network of alliances, provides essential, pacifying leadership in global politics. Jennifer Lind, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 And, if that process proved tortuous and violent, what role could the U.S. have in trying to pacify a nation of almost 90 million people? Niall Stanage, The Hill, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pacify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pacify
Verb
  • China sells hybrids and EVs for maximum penetration While some brands offer hybrids and plug-in hybrids to appease those buyers not yet ready to make the switch to full-electric, most Chinese cars sold in Australia are electric.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
  • Certain elements of iconography carried over, but the tone has mostly been serious, toeing a delicate line to appease fans while also attracting general audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Asia-Pacific markets were subdued overnight as a result.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2025
  • The two also showed a demonstration of what a K9 takedown looks like, with Humphries acting as a target and K9 Bob subduing him.
    Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Doubles grew to be dominated by specialists, especially among men.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Once dominated by legacy brands, like L’Oréal, Unilever, Estée Lauder, P&G, LVMH, and Chanel, the $650B sector has transformed significantly, with the explosive growth of new brands like e.l.f., AI technology, and social media.
    Dean DeBiase, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Their next goal is conquering the conventional retail space. Jesse & Ben’s fries currently come in Classic Avocado Oil & Sea Salt, Avocado Oil with Rosemary & Garlic, Beef Tallow & Sea Salt, and currently exclusive to Sprouts Farmers Market, Sweet Potato Fries with Beef Tallow.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The network has ordered an 18th season of the competition series that sees contestants working to conquer an intricate obstacle course.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Additional sanctions could subject Robinson to probation, suspension, termination or a host of possible penalties related to promotions, tenure or salary, according to IU code.
    Cate Charron, IndyStar, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Having to subject yourself to a room that’s hot as hell could deter you from taking a class altogether—leading you to miss out on all the benefits of exercise that are just as abundant in mild temps.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 8 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pacify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pacify. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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