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

Polo has grown into one of the most powerful Pacific hurricanes in decades and was expected to skirt Mexico’s southwestern coast as a major storm, while another Pacific system, Odalys, strengthened Wednesday from a tropical storm to a hurricane. — Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

El Niño has prevented that same type of wind shear over the exceptionally warm Pacific and activity exploded. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

The probability of a hurricane passing over any particular point is low, especially farther from the Mexican coast, since most Pacific hurricanes tend to stay closer to Mexico. — Nicholas Grondin, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026

Major powers have rushed to shore up access to the countries and relationships with Pacific leaders in return for various sweeteners, creating a web of sometimes conflicting alliances that have reshaped the region. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 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