pacific

adjective

pa·​cif·​ic pə-ˈsi-fik How to pronounce pacific (audio)
Synonyms of pacificnext
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 adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fellow Taiwanese carrier Starlux Airlines started trans-Pacific flights in 2023, and while the carrier currently just serves Western hubs, there have been rumblings of its first East Coast routes coming soon. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026 Pacific peoples weren’t known to be strong on massive visages and the like, popular opinion suggested at the time, whereas groups like the Inca, the Olmec, and the Toltec were. Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 The hotel’s amenities also got a glow-up, with new offerings like a weekly luau spotlighting Pacific music and dance. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026 Air cargo demand on the Asia-to-North America trade corridor in November grew for the first time since April, with the holiday season helping boost trans-Pacific trade patterns out of a half-year-long malaise. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pacific

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pacific was circa 1548

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pacific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pacific. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

pacific

adjective
pa·​cif·​ic pə-ˈsif-ik How to pronounce pacific (audio)
1
: tending to lessen or avoid fights or disagreements
2
: having a peaceful nature
pacifically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pacific

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster