1
as in relaxing
tending to calm the emotions and relieve stress
a pacifying treat of milk and cookies
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in appeasing
tending to lessen or avoid conflict or hostility
the referee adopted a pacifying tone to try to calm everyone down
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in comforting
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in subduing
to bring under one's control by force of arms
additional ground forces were needed to occupy those areas that had already been pacified
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pacifying
Verb
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Representative Mike Lawler of New York, who has hinted at ambitions for a governor bid in 2026, according to the New York Post, will need to walk a fine line between appeasing his party and not upsetting potential voters in his home state, which could put him at odds with Republicans.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
4 Jan. 2025 -
According to Atlas Obscura, also on Christmas Eve, some families believe in appeasing the nisser—barn-dwelling house elves that are said to help residents survive tough winters—and many children continue to leave a bowl of risengrød, or sweet porridge, for the folkloric creatures.—
Chad de Guzman,
TIME,
18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The best facial massager for you will be the one that not only targets your primary skin-care concerns but also offers a soothing moment of self-care, keeping you coming back for more.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
22 Feb. 2025
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The scents are typically designed to smell soothing and sophisticated.—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Newsom has been trying to cool the political rhetoric and respond more conciliatory, visiting both Democrats and Republicans.—
David Lightman,
Sacramento Bee,
6 Feb. 2025
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Any settlement would be a highly conciliatory gesture to Trump.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Is there not a single executive somewhere at Netflix to greenlight a fresh retelling of the core Hanukkah story of pride, miracles, and determined guerilla warfare against a conquering despot?—
Gord Magill,
Newsweek,
20 Dec. 2024
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Then English speakers began conquering Celtic, Native American, African, Australian and other peoples, pressuring or forcing them to give up their languages.—
Ross Perlin,
The Dial,
14 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Blending fiddle with a stomp-clap sing-along and a familiar hip-hop melody, the song etched a spot in music history this year by dominating charts and scoring near-countless streams.—
Matthew Leimkuehler,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
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With new brands emerging daily, celebrity endorsements dominating the narrative, and marketing claims becoming increasingly hyperbolic, standing out as a true industry leader requires more than innovative packaging or a catchy tagline.—
Lara Devgan,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The Vatican said the pope had a peaceful night and was up, sitting in his armchair on Wednesday receiving therapy.—
Trisha Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2025
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The Vatican said the pope had a peaceful night and left his bed to sit in an armchair on Wednesday.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This will be both disarming and believable, allowing your daughter to propose times that are both far off and inconvenient.—
Jacobina Martin,
Washington Post,
15 Dec. 2022
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What follows instead is a pivotal listen that conveys trauma in an assured yet disarming way.—
Leah Greenblatt,
EW.com,
8 Dec. 2021
Adjective
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Centuries ago, the seemingly benevolent alien race Oankali intervened in humanity's fateful hours, saving the remaining survivors and putting them in a deep sleep aboard their spaceship.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
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The June Foray Award for significant and benevolent impact was given to the non-profit organization Women in Animation for its work advocating for gender equality and inclusion in the industry.—
Terry Flores,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Pacifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pacifying. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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