Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

pacify

[pas-uh-fahy] / ˈpæs əˌfaɪ /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Army had been spending $150 million a month to pacify the Triangle of Death.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

There’s a mercenary quality to the more ostentatious looks; they please crowds or pacify them for long enough to compel closer listening to the intricacies of her music.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2025

His top priority since taking power has been to unite a bitterly divided Syria, and pacify external relations with its neighbours, while he cements his power and control.

From BBC ● Apr. 4, 2025

It starts with Lamar rapping quickly but calmly over a smooth-jazz backdrop, taunting, “I make music that electrify ’em, you make music that pacify ’em.”

From New York Times ● May 3, 2024

“If you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. But don’t fabricate some story out of a misguided desire to pacify or impress me.”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

“People are saying, ‘Let’s give our peculiar new king a chance,’ while the prospect of an election pacifies a lot of the frustration and rage that people would otherwise feel.”

From New York Times ● May 7, 2023

“The best that can be expected under the circumstances,” with a wan smile, should suffice, as it pacifies the audience without exaggerating the truth.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 21, 2021

Nov. 8 is his “Groundhog Day,” on endless repeat, in a way that pleases and pacifies him.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 26, 2017

“Is it really something that pacifies? Or is it something that drives apart?”

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2016

The bearer of ill-will towards them that bear ill-will can never become pure; but he who bears no ill-will pacifies them that hate.—Udanavarga.

From The Essence of Buddhism by Various

But the details will be all the more important, as activists may not be pacified by temporary measures.

From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2026

“What catches on is completely unpredictable, there’s almost a mysterious alchemy to it. What’s clear is this: The regime hasn’t pacified them.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 28, 2026

This is a man who has pacified a team who seemed to be at war with itself once.

From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2024

When winds blow hard across the lake and storms brew over its waters, it is said that Michi-Cihualli is angry and must be pacified.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 15, 2024

“Can’t you see I’m a paying you a compliment, you gosling?” she said, and Lyra was pacified, though she didn’t understand.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

Or you might enter directly from the street into an office, without the pacifying liminal space of a waiting room.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 16, 2026

If the Fed is otherwise confident in its bank-liquidity regulations, there’s no obvious reason pacifying the overnight lending market should be a policy concern.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 26, 2026

There was no pacifying him until I invited him on to the playing area so that he could kick a ball about.

From BBC ● Jul. 5, 2023

Rights groups in the past have dismissed government probes as a public relations tool aimed at pacifying public anger.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 16, 2022

She whirled back toward Clancy, who had put two pacifying hands on her shoulders.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken


Vocabulary lists containing pacify

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 14,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training