conciliate

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb conciliate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of conciliate are appease, mollify, pacify, placate, and propitiate. While all these words mean "to ease the anger or disturbance of," conciliate suggests ending an estrangement by persuasion, concession, or settling of differences.

conciliating the belligerent nations

When would appease be a good substitute for conciliate?

The words appease and conciliate can be used in similar contexts, but appease implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions.

appease their territorial ambitions

When is it sensible to use mollify instead of conciliate?

In some situations, the words mollify and conciliate are roughly equivalent. However, mollify implies soothing hurt feelings or rising anger.

a speech that mollified the demonstrators

In what contexts can pacify take the place of conciliate?

Although the words pacify and conciliate have much in common, pacify suggests a soothing or calming.

pacified by a sincere apology

When might placate be a better fit than conciliate?

The meanings of placate and conciliate largely overlap; however, placate suggests changing resentment or bitterness to goodwill.

a move to placate local opposition

When can propitiate be used instead of conciliate?

The words propitiate and conciliate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, propitiate implies averting anger or malevolence especially of a superior being.

propitiated his parents by dressing up

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Cite this Entry

“Conciliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conciliate. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

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