palliative 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of palliativenext
as in curative

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

palliative

2 of 2

noun

1
as in sedative

Related Words
2
as in medicine

Related Words

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 palliative
Adjective
Some were recovering from surgery; others were quadriplegic or in palliative care. — Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026 Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be brought in at any stage of a serious illness, even starting from diagnosis. — Jane Callahan, The Conversation, 14 July 2026
Noun
Those facing these difficult end-of-life decisions may benefit from seeking out veterinary palliative and hospice care, which is increasingly available. — David L. Weimer, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026 In 2018, Kushner’s relationship with Videgaray was a crucial palliative, as the two men worked to resolve disputes behind the scenes. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for palliative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palliative
  1. curative
  2. sedative
  3. medicine
  4. beneficial
  5. security blanket
  6. balm
  7. remedial
  8. pacifier
Adjective
  • Hospice offers terminal patients an alternative to the chaotic, clinical environment of a hospital; the emphasis is on dignity and comfort rather than on curative treatment.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Unfortunately, there are cases where an individual’s illness is so advanced that there is no curative treatment available.
    — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
Definition of curative
Noun
  • Monroe reportedly ingested a lethal dose of Nembutal, an anxiety medication, as well as a large dose of chloral hydrate, a drug used as a sedative.
    — Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Native to the Pacific Islands, its active compounds (kavalactones) act directly on the brain's GABA receptors much like a mild sedative and are typically used for acute anxiety or insomnia.
    — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of sedative
Noun
  • My father had left academic medicine to open a solo surgical practice, and billing meant someone had to sit in front of a typewriter and create claims one by one.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Still, charismatic leaders who have pushed for dollarization have failed to date, suggesting that the patient may not want the money doctor’s medicine.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of medicine
Adjective
  • During periods of heightened pressure, the initial response can be beneficial.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • There are lots of different types of sauerkraut out there that may be beneficial for your health.
    — Amanda Doyle, HEALTH, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of beneficial
Noun
  • Sanchez is the ultimate security blanket for his teammates, who place total trust in him.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Diggs was a security blanket for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye last season.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of security blanket
Noun
  • While returning to work can be a balm that boosts self-esteem and social support, the transition can also be stressful.
    — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Puckey recommends keeping lips moisturized, using a nourishing balm overnight, and exfoliating regularly.
    — Jenny Berg, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of balm
Adjective
  • The order required that ICE develop and file, within 14 days, a remedial plan to implement comprehensive systems for medical care and disability accommodations.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2026
  • By contrast, Rule 11 sanctions are not so much remedial but are punitive in nature.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of remedial
Noun
  • Notably, Picolette includes a stylish diaper bag with various compartments—there’s even one to hold a pacifier and another to let parents grab baby wipes with ease.
    — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 20 July 2026
  • Lastly, be prepared with a pacifier for babies or a straw in a juice box for toddlers to suck on during takeoff or landing, when the air pressure changes can cause their little ears to pop.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026
Definition of pacifier

Browse Nearby Words

palliations
palliative
palliatives
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Palliative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palliative. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on palliative

Nglish: Translation of palliative for Spanish Speakers

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

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of tilde

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All