pacific

adjective

pa·​cif·​ic pə-ˈsi-fik 

1

a

: tending to lessen conflict : conciliatory

b

: rejecting the use of force as an instrument of policy

2

a

: having a soothing appearance or effect

mild pacific breezes

b

: mild of temper : peaceable

3

Pacific : of, relating to, bordering on, or situated near the Pacific Ocean

pacifically

pə-ˈsi-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of pacific

• peaceful
• conciliatory
• benevolent
• soothing
• kind
• calming
• placatory
• gentle
• appeasing
• comforting
• relaxing
• propitiatory
• conciliating

Examples of pacific in a Sentence

as a pacific gesture, we invited our feuding neighbors to our backyard barbecue

a pacific nation that has managed to remain neutral even during times of world conflict

Recent Examples on the Web

The damage comes only a year after intense October 2025 flooding, driven by the remnants of Pacific cyclones. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026

Among the 10 trans-Pacific cables identified as being most at risk, several are still under development with significant ownership stakes from US companies. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 28 Oct. 2026

The majority of the industry’s bycatch is jellyfish, pacific cod, and squid. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026

In California alone, the last four days were over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the longest such streak on record; and driven by an unprecedented El Niño, the last five Pacific hurricanes have set new highs for their power and permanence. — Elijah Wolfson, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pacifique, from Latin pacificus, from pac-, pax peace + -i- + -ficus -fic — more at pact

First Known Use

circa 1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for pacific

• horrific
• prolific
• salvific
• specific
• terrific
• calorific
• conspecific
• hieroglyphic
• honorific
• nonspecific
• scientific
• soporific

Kids Definition

pacific

adjective

pa·​cif·​ic pə-ˈsif-ik 

1

: tending to lessen or avoid fights or disagreements

2

: having a peaceful nature

pacifically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb