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
-
Over the past month, Iranian officials have tried to carefully balance negotiations with Trump while appeasing powerful factions across the country’s diverse political landscape, including the Paydari group.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Like clockwork, the government filed a notice of appeal on the CIT decision Friday, alleviating any mystery as to its intent to seek an alternate outcome.—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
-
At first, locals had hoped that a supermarket might take over the space, alleviating a dry spot in Oakland’s grocery desert.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Those are paired with a soothing lineup of Centella asiatica, madecassoside, panthenol, and allantoin to keep skin balanced (as irritation can worsen pigmentation).—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
9 May 2026
-
Opt for Warm Lighting Harsh lighting is the opposite of soothing, says Brooks.—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Downtown businesses deal with the aftermath of folks relieving themselves in bushes, doorways and other out of sight places at night.—
Michael Perkins,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
-
Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is an effective food for relieving muscle cramps.—
Oluseun Olufade,
Verywell Health,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Morton was critical in helping the Broncos reach their first-ever playoff appearance, ultimately getting them to Super Bowl XII during the 1977 campaign.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 May 2026
-
Organic matter in milk can encourage microbial activity in garden beds, helping create a more balanced growing environment over time.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
Two of fall's most comforting flavors combined?—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
11 May 2026
-
The production is cold, distant, and uncertain, like the world lately, but within the song the lyrics feel warm and comforting.—
Time,
Time,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Rulings against the map could revert Kansas City’s congressional district back to the boundaries lawmakers approved in 2022, easing a path for Cleaver to win a 12th term in Congress.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
10 May 2026
-
This new effort will be known as Golden State Start, as California uses its bulk purchasing power to obtain 40 million high-quality diapers in hopes of easing financial strain for families and supporting infant health by helping parents maintain an adequate supply of clean diapers.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mollifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mollifying. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
