pacify

[pas-uh-fahy] / ˈpæs əˌfaɪ /

VERB

make peaceful; appease

Synonyms

STRONGEST

allay ameliorate assuage mitigate mollify placate quell repress smooth over soothe tame

STRONG

calm chasten compose con conciliate cool dulcify grease lull moderate propitiate qualify quiet relieve silence soft pedal soften square still stroke subdue sweeten temper tranquilize

WEAK

bury the hatchet butter up fix up kiss and make up lay back make peace pacificate put the lid on take the edge off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aggravate agitate incite intensify irritate provoke upset worry worsen

STRONG

anger arouse excite rouse trouble

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.

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

We are easier to marginalize and to pacify if we fold ourselves into such tiny boxes.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2024

A Kenyan court blocked a U.N.-backed plan to deploy the country’s officers to help pacify violence on Haiti’s streets.

From New York Times • Jan. 28, 2024

The celebration lasted for half an hour before they realized this was just a piece of wishful thinking someone had spread around to pacify them.

From Slate • Nov. 29, 2023

I, in any case, certainly refuse to be put in the position of denying the truth of Malcolm’s statements simply because I disagree with his conclusions, or in order to pacify the liberal conscience.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

Vocabulary lists containing pacify

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