as in conciliatory
tending to lessen or avoid conflict or hostility
a future son-in-law using mollifying flattery to overcome a bad first impression
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in appeasing
to lessen the anger or agitation of
an apology would probably mollify your friend
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alleviating
to make more bearable or less severe
a friendly gesture that did a lot to mollify their suspicions about the new neighbor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of mollifying
Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026
By many accounts retailers were pleased with their level of business Thanksgiving Day through Saturday, mollifying some concerns that higher prices and economic uncertainties would put a big dent in holiday spending.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 30 Nov. 2025
Verb
The first generation of parents to have resorted, at least occasionally, to mollifying their children by putting digital screens in their hands has now seen those kids grow up.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026
By many accounts retailers were pleased with their level of business Thanksgiving Day through Saturday, mollifying some concerns that higher prices and economic uncertainties would put a big dent in holiday spending.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 30 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mollifying
Adjective
-
Even Meloni’s fiercest political opponent, Elly Shlein, head of the opposition Democratic Party, made a rare conciliatory comment about her.—
Barbie Latza Nadeau,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Magyar's statement was likely greeted with pleasure by many across the European Union, who had grown accustomed to Orbán's conciliatory tone when discussing the war or Putin.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Cuba’s president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, publicly acknowledged discussions between the two governments last week and pledged a series of reforms aimed at appeasing Washington, a concession that indicated both the urgency of the domestic crisis and the vulnerability of the regime.—
Sarah Fitzpatrick,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2026
-
But then appeasing tradition and upending it both at once, which certainly is the pragmatic philosophy of Lyric, always is a tricky matter.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
China reported higher producer prices for the first time since 2022, alleviating fears of persistent deflation in the world’s second-biggest economy, but driving concerns of a global wave of inflation resulting from the Iran war.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The good news is that the upcoming rain will push back the start of this year’s high fire season, alleviating some concerns following the recent record-breaking heat wave.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Spray dry toilet paper with cleansing, soothing and refreshing Pristine to create an instant wet wipe that is actually flushable and safe for your sewer and septic systems.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
-
That warm soothing voice of yours is missed.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Supporters’ contributions help change students’ lives by relieving financial burdens, augmenting the resources that support student learning inside and outside the classroom, the release said.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Apr. 2026
-
It’s designed to mimic the feeling of a luxury hotel bed, per the brand, with a soft and breathable pillow top, targeted back support, and a pressure-relieving core that contours to your body.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Not only that, his calmness was crucial to helping his side build from the back.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The appointment by Sphere Entertainment will formalize Dibble’s work helping executives at the entertainment, tech and live event firm explore opportunities for Sphere’s proprietary technologies.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The pancakes are fluffy, soft and chewy, the sausage is comforting and the biscuit is probably one of the best in Charlotte.—
Shindy Chen
April 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This quick-cooking protein is the foundation of so many comforting meals—spaghetti sauce, meatloaf, casseroles, meatballs, tacos, and of course, burgers.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Crude prices have surged over 30% since the war broke out, with Brent briefly topping $110 a barrel for the first time in roughly four years, according to LSEG data, before easing on hopes for a breakthrough.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Although tensions are easing in the Middle East — at least for now — US gas prices will remain far above pre-war levels for weeks, if not months.—
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mollifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mollifying. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
