PALLIATIVE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

palliative 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of palliative

as in curative

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Dissimilar Words

palliative

2 of 2

noun

as in sedative

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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

Scopolamine also has legitimate applications, and has been used to treat nausea and as palliative care for Parkinson’s patients. — Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026 Ryan found his way to the death world after his husband died of cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile ducts, and was volunteering as a doula at Mount Sinai’s palliative-care program. — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 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

Adjective

For some patients, a single treatment can produce a durable or potentially curative response, reducing the need for years of ongoing therapy and the associated burden, side effects and cost.

— Jigar Thakkar, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of curative

Noun

When Riechmann's mother was pregnant with her in the early 1960s, the doctor gave her a new sedative to help with her nausea.

— Tana Weingartner, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026
As in Monster, Lizzie blamed some of her story inconsistencies on the morphine she’d been administered as a sedative.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of sedative

Noun

The international community’s ability to manage safe travel and secure banking, communications and quality standards for food, water, and medicine could all be compromised, too.

— Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
Boehringer has pitched the medicine as a way to help patients lose fat while preserving muscle, but without an edge, the drug becomes just one more contender in an increasingly crowded market dominated by Eli Lilly and Novo.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of medicine

Adjective

Unlocking the full benefits of fiber More focused research is needed to understand more about the types of fiber that are beneficial to health, in what doses, and in what combinations.

— Jean Liew, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026
The new standard is cold water for everything, including towels, except when warm or hot water is beneficial or necessary.

— Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of beneficial

Noun

Although a security blanket shut down central Paris to road traffic, the party-like atmosphere drew people of multiple faiths and no faith at all.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Tucker Kraft has been a nice security blanket for the Packers, catching five of nine targets for 80 yards.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of security blanket

Noun

A day balm is meant to melt into the skin to soften fine lines and add a healthy glow under makeup.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
In a room full of fascists and fools, Ahmed’s projection of competence—and of the spluttering exasperation that is the lot of the competent—proves a genuine balm.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of palliative

adjective

noun

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