1
as in relaxing
tending to calm the emotions and relieve stress
a pacifying treat of milk and cookies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in appeasing
tending to lessen or avoid conflict or hostility
the referee adopted a pacifying tone to try to calm everyone down
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in comforting
to lessen the anger or agitation of
the only thing that would pacify the child and end the tantrum was a new toy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in subduing
to bring under one's control by force of arms
additional ground forces were needed to occupy those areas that had already been pacified
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 pacifying
Ben Smith, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Rather than unifying and pacifying a populace, this kind of media encouraged idiosyncratic, extreme views.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 8 Sep. 2025
And without the pacifying force of the Dalai Lama, there will be fewer guardrails to prevent Sino-Tibetan disputes from sliding into intractable ethnic conflict.
—Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
That transformed the industry by giving it a clear American base — and by pacifying agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission that had been, under Biden, openly hostile.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Rather than unifying and pacifying a populace, this kind of media encouraged idiosyncratic, extreme views.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 8 Sep. 2025
And without the pacifying force of the Dalai Lama, there will be fewer guardrails to prevent Sino-Tibetan disputes from sliding into intractable ethnic conflict.
—Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pacifying
Adjective
-
Velvet curtains flank the floor-to-ceiling windows for some earthy contrast, while a long sectional sofa invites you to spend a relaxing night sprawled out in front of the TV.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
30 May 2026
-
Serving as another integral room of your home, keeping your living room clutter-free is crucial for creating a relaxing atmosphere.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
28 May 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
-
Officers then shot her with a Taser, subduing her enough to take her into custody, police said.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
-
Trump thought the Secret Service did an excellent job subduing the gunman but the White House is reviewing security for major events for the country's 250th anniversary.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The relaxed linen texture keeps them looking elevated but still cozy, and the earthy tone ties the entire color palette together in such a soothing way.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
25 May 2026
-
On the slightly more orange side, terra-cotta tones are viewed in design as healing, soothing, and warm.—
Petra Guglielmetti,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
Shange’s rainbow assemblage manages to be confrontational and conciliatory through a confessional accumulation that collapses poetry, movement, and ritual into a single and ever-changing event.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 May 2026
-
Sporting director Matt Hobbs initially moved to calm things down, holding conciliatory meetings with the management to draw the sting from the situation.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Perfect for conquering your next trail, the Speedgoat 6 is made with aggressive lugs that deliver a ton of traction and stability—they’re actually inspired by the hoof of a goat.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2026
-
That Mitch Marner, the Golden Knight, would morph into a playoff-conquering superstar.—
Jonas Siegel,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Verb
-
Well, Evelyn, thank you for subjecting yourself to the questions side of the microphone.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
30 May 2026
-
Also, 2024 saw the largest data breaches in history, impacting billions of users and subjecting customers to the potential of having personal data exposed and ultimately exploited.—
Metro Creative Services,
Boston Herald,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
When the church hall needs something hearty, comforting, and warm, this easy casserole is the universal answer.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
24 May 2026
-
This comforting dish is unexpected but always welcome.—
Lizzy Briskin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pacifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pacifying. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
