PALLIATIVE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

palliative 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of palliative

as in curative

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

palliative

2 of 2

noun

as in sedative

Related Words

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

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 Without robust pediatric palliative care and resources, some families watch their children die in hospitals. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 20 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

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

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

Now, a substantial portion of the country will be rooting for Michigan to take its medicine against Oklahoma.

— Austin Meek, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
The visitors spoke of the risks of the medicines Kiju made in our kitchen, of the dangers of a mistaken mushroom in a tonic, of the potential of death in the misuse of a berry or leaf.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of medicine

Adjective

Records show Sunshine Residential Homes made political donations beneficial to Hobbs and months later received a rate increase from the state for providing beds for children.

— Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Yes, the language of Love Island USA is part of its strategic gameplay, so painting your villa-mates as more interested in playing the field than finding love is a beneficial move.

— Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of beneficial

Noun

The bestselling cream-like balm melts into a clear, oil-like cleanser when warmed between dry palms, dissolving makeup, sunscreen, and grime before emulsifying with water and rinsing clean.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
To complete the mid-air spa sesh, pups are treated to a moisturizing paw and nose balm perfect for long flights.

— Rebecca Norris, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of balm

Adjective

Travolta had his breakout role on Welcome Back, Kotter, playing remedial student, heartthrob, and unofficial Sweathogs leader Vinnie Barbarino.

— Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026
The outcome of the investigation, Balon said, resulted in the officer receiving a demotion in rank, an unpaid suspension, an indefinite suspension from the use of Flock and remedial ethics training.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 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

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of palliative

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

empirical

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

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

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes