pacify

verb

ˈpa-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce pacify (audio)
Definition of pacifynext
1
as in to appease
to lessen the anger or agitation of the only thing that would pacify the child and end the tantrum was a new toy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to subdue
to bring under one's control by force of arms additional ground forces were needed to occupy those areas that had already been pacified

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Israel may be further from pacifying Gaza than ever. —Scott Atran, Foreign Affairs, 14 Feb. 2025 Carmichael criticized Christianity for pacifying the oppressed by focusing on suffering and salvation in the afterlife rather than justice in the present. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2025 Because this is not a street brawl where the two sides need to be pacified. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 What ensues is a brawl, with Elisabeth trying to pacify Sue, who has realized what Elisabeth was about to do to her. —Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pacify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pacify
  1. appease
  2. subdue
  3. conquer
  4. dominate
  5. subject
  6. overcome
  7. defeat
Verb
  • This year, the airliner, led by CEO Bob Jordan, has tried to increase profits — and appease powerful activist investor Elliott Investment Management — by initiating its first mass layoffs in company history.
    — Mark Dent, HubSpot, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Lawsuits brought to appease Trump or punish his enemies are brought for an improper purpose.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of appease
Verb
  • The clean, modern lines, subdued colors, abundant natural light, and open floor plan all checked out.
    — Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Looking ahead, Wolf reckoned that EMs can move higher if the U.S. dollar continues to weaken and the impact of tariffs on overall trade is subdued.
    — Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of subdue
Verb
  • This year, he was tasked with conquering the opponent’s best hitters in Game 1, and that doesn’t figure to change.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Channel this passion into some focused new moon intentions on April 27, but don’t let yourself be driven by a sheer need to conquer.
    — Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of conquer
Verb
  • Patient possession from deeper positions was on show on Saturday as West Ham dominated the ball for long periods in the first half, slowly gaining territory without truly threatening Bournemouth’s penalty area — as shown by The Athletic’s match dashboard below.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Politics are dominating the popular vernacular like never before, and the introduction of the Trump store on Amazon will certainly add to that ongoing conversation.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of dominate
Verb
  • Francis, who subjected himself to questioning by the inquiry, was found not to have been provided with any documentation regarding allegations against McCarrick.
    — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025
  • But plastic is a poor reflector of X-rays, which allowed the deadly disc to evade detection and subjecting the mother, grandmother and beloved family matriarch to prolonged anguish that culminated in her death on Dec. 13, 2023.
    — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of subject
Verb
  • Republicans will need Democratic support to overcome a 60-vote threshold to be able to pass the bill in the Senate.
    — John Parkinson, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After Republicans in the House and Senate had forged ahead on their own budget blueprints earlier this year, the Senate on Saturday adopted the compromise resolution, giving the House just days to overcome opposition and get it over the finish line before the recess.
    — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of overcome
Verb
  • In his first defense of the IBF crown, Ennis defeated David Avanesyan when the fight was halted before the start of the sixth round.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Kings defeated the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the play-in tournament before losing to the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that would have sent them to the playoffs as the No.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of defeat

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pacifists
pacify
pacifying
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Cite this Entry

“Pacify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pacify. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of pacify for Spanish Speakers

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