PLACATE Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of placate are appease , conciliate , mollify , pacify , and propitiate . While all these words mean "to ease the anger or disturbance of," placate suggests changing resentment or bitterness to goodwill. // a move to placate local opposition

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

The words appease and placate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, appease implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions. // appease their territorial ambitions

Q: In what contexts can 'conciliate' take the place of 'placate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to placate , conciliate suggests ending an estrangement by persuasion, concession, or settling of differences. // conciliating the belligerent nations

Q: When is 'mollify' a more appropriate choice than 'placate'?

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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pacify' instead of 'placate'?

Although the words pacify and placate have much in common, pacify suggests a soothing or calming. // pacified by a sincere apology

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

The meanings of propitiate and placate largely overlap; however, propitiate implies averting anger or malevolence especially of a superior being. // propitiated his parents by dressing up

placate

verb

ˈplā-ˌkāt

Definition of placate next

as in to appease

to lessen the anger or agitation of attempted to placate the screaming child by offering him a cookie

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How does the verb placate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of placate are appease, conciliate, mollify, pacify, and propitiate. While all these words mean "to ease the anger or disturbance of," placate suggests changing resentment or bitterness to goodwill.

a move to placate local opposition

When can appease be used instead of placate?

The words appease and placate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, appease implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions.

appease their territorial ambitions

In what contexts can conciliate take the place of placate?

While in some cases nearly identical to placate, conciliate suggests ending an estrangement by persuasion, concession, or settling of differences.

conciliating the belligerent nations

When is mollify a more appropriate choice than placate?

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

a speech that mollified the demonstrators

When is it sensible to use pacify instead of placate?

Although the words pacify and placate have much in common, pacify suggests a soothing or calming.

pacified by a sincere apology

When would propitiate be a good substitute for placate?

The meanings of propitiate and placate largely overlap; however, 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 placate Reitman follows Michaels through hazards and good luck: placating his wife and writing partner Rosie Shuster (Rachel Sennott), proffering cocaine to George Carlin (Matthew Rhys), discovering the prodigies Michael O’Donoghue (Tommy Dewey) and Andy Kaufman (Nicholas Braun). —

Armond White, National Review, 1 Jan. 2025 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 Desmond placated her with love letters and appreciative messages, all the while pressuring her to pay the fund managers and fees. —

Daryl Perry, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for placate