APPEASE Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'appease' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of appease are conciliate , mollify , pacify , placate , and propitiate . While all these words mean "to ease the anger or disturbance of," appease implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions. // appease their territorial ambitions

Q: Where would 'conciliate' be a reasonable alternative to 'appease'?

The meanings of conciliate and appease largely overlap; however, conciliate suggests ending an estrangement by persuasion, concession, or settling of differences. // conciliating the belligerent nations

Q: When can 'mollify' be used instead of 'appease'?

The synonyms mollify and appease are sometimes interchangeable, but mollify implies soothing hurt feelings or rising anger. // a speech that mollified the demonstrators

Q: When is 'pacify' a more appropriate choice than 'appease'?

The words pacify and appease can be used in similar contexts, but pacify suggests a soothing or calming. // pacified by a sincere apology

Q: When might 'placate' be a better fit than 'appease'?

While in some cases nearly identical to appease , placate suggests changing resentment or bitterness to goodwill. // a move to placate local opposition

Q: When would 'propitiate' be a good substitute for 'appease'?

The words propitiate and appease are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, propitiate implies averting anger or malevolence especially of a superior being. // propitiated his parents by dressing up

appease

verb

ə-ˈpēz

Definition of appease next

as in to placate

to lessen the anger or agitation of a game often appeases an upset toddler

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How does the verb appease differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of appease are conciliate, mollify, pacify, placate, and propitiate. While all these words mean "to ease the anger or disturbance of," appease implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions.

appease their territorial ambitions

Where would conciliate be a reasonable alternative to appease?

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

conciliating the belligerent nations

When can mollify be used instead of appease?

The synonyms mollify and appease are sometimes interchangeable, but mollify implies soothing hurt feelings or rising anger.

a speech that mollified the demonstrators

When is pacify a more appropriate choice than appease?

The words pacify and appease can be used in similar contexts, but pacify suggests a soothing or calming.

pacified by a sincere apology

When might placate be a better fit than appease?

While in some cases nearly identical to appease, placate suggests changing resentment or bitterness to goodwill.

a move to placate local opposition

When would propitiate be a good substitute for appease?

The words propitiate and appease are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, propitiate implies averting anger or malevolence especially of a superior being.

propitiated his parents by dressing up

Examples 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 appease But Republicans, who had spent 24 hours largely negotiating with themselves to cut out the extras conservatives opposed and come up with the new plan, ran into a wall of resistance from Democrats, who were in no hurry to appease demands from Mr. Trump – or Mr. Musk. —

Lisa Mascaro and Kevin Freking, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Dec. 2024 The overall effect has been destabilising and if Howe cannot appease his dressing-room with new signings — or any other tangible evidence of ambition — the big picture threatens to become opaque. —

George Caulkin, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024 Powell said the move reflected the Fed’s commitment to preserving the labor market’s health, appeasing some investors who feared unemployment could soon take off. —

Bryan Mena, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024 The outcome will determine whether the UK remains a global leader in the creative economy or sacrifices its creators to appease AI companies. —

Virginie Berger, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for appease

Recent Examples of Synonyms for appease

Verb

Putting a dent in Arsenal’s title bid, however, would go a long way to placating even the most negative Spurs supporter, especially with a trip to Wembley in the offing if the second leg at Anfield goes to plan.

Darren Richman, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
The last thing Putin wants is to order another mobilization, which would inject anger and panic into a Russian population that has been largely placated since the war started.

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025