PALLIATIVE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

palliative 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of palliative

as in curative

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Relevance

Dissimilar Words

palliative

2 of 2

noun

as in sedative

Related Words

as in medicine

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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

More than half of the world’s population live in countries where the availability of any palliative care is defined as either emerging or progressing, according to the World Health Organization. — Emilee Flynn, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026 Perinatal palliative care is an important and compassionate option. — Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026

Noun

Travel now served as a palliative—first a trip to Jamaica, then a year and a half voyage to Europe and the Levant, where Church painted the Holy Land, another subject with reliable sales. — Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 13 June 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

Adjective

Children in these countries have less access to medical diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and are often diagnosed at later stages of illness with less access to curative therapy.

— Emilee Flynn, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026
Yet despite their curative potential, uptake of gene therapies for sickle cell disease has been slow.

— Steven Ross Johnson, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of curative

Noun

That’s because passion fruit and the leaves from its plant source, Passiflora incarnata, are known as a natural sedative.

— Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 26 Oct. 2026
Executions in the state are carried out through the injection of a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of sedative

Noun

Flu viruses can survive on hard surfaces for as long as two days and on soft materials such as pillows for about 12 hours, according to Susan Werner, MD, a family medicine provider at Geisinger Nanticoke.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2026
Dr Amir Firouzjaei, a general practitioner and traditional Chinese medicine expert who has lived in Dubai for three years, believes the movement taps into something deeper.

— Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of medicine

Adjective

That said, the Cougars did wind up losing in double overtime anyway, thanks in part to some less-than-beneficial officiating.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Research suggests that this fruit may be a particularly beneficial post-workout option—replenishing blood sugar and regulating energy expenditure.

— Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of beneficial

Noun

Huang, who resigned from his post Thursday, was the AI world’s central bank chairman and human security blanket, always there with a checkbook to backstop, acquire, hire, invest in, or otherwise underwrite the least underwritable corners of AI.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 12 Nov. 2026
The traditional workwear piece has become a security blanket in Harry Styles’ off-duty wardrobe, traveling with him to London, Rome and New York City.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of security blanket

Noun

Chanel’s Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick is a moisturizing, hydrating balm that’s designed in a twist tube for easy, targeted application.

— Christina Oehler, InStyle, 7 Nov. 2026
Writing the book has been a very solitary experience—done after Viva falls asleep—and finally getting to squeeze my pals and feel less alone in it is a balm to my nerves.

— Tarajia Morrell, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of balm

Adjective

Graduation rates continue to rise, but the number of students who require remedial coursework after high school remains high.

— Matt Williams, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Public agencies can buy from or encourage corporate procurers to buy from those AI providers that have complied with remedial measures or provided access to evaluators.

— Bhaskar Chakravorti, Fortune, 20 Sep. 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

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“Palliative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palliative. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of palliative

adjective

noun

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