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

California’s Central Coast is known for its dramatic Pacific views. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Australia, Japan and New Zealand condemned the launch into the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, as regional governments sign new defense pacts and warn China’s opaque militarization is destabilizing Pacific security. — Huizhong Wu, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Pfendler, a Grand Canyon river rafting guide, became the first American woman and fastest person to successfully row solo across the mid-Pacific region, from California to Hawaii. — ABC News, 6 July 2026

The benchmark has surged more than 45 percent over the past month, fueled largely by rising trans-Pacific rates. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 30 June 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