palliate

verb

ˈpa-lē-ˌāt How to pronounce palliate (audio)
Definition of palliatenext
1
as in to excuse
to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses don't try to palliate your constant lying by claiming that everybody lies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to alleviate
to make more bearable or less severe this medicine should palliate your cough at least a little

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 palliate Radiation can also be used to palliate painful bone metastases, as well as chemotherapy. — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 Oct. 2024 Senior-home avatars who are designed to palliate dementia patients in their darkest days. — Longreads, 12 Apr. 2024 Long hours of sitting masquerade as wellness, insecurity is palliated by snacks, and flexibility’s just another name for no time of your own. — Curbed, 4 Jan. 2023 Rhys drank heavily to palliate her burdens, and was known for tirades and other skunky behavior. — New York Times, 20 June 2022 The friends are teen-agers, both outcasts of a kind, lonely and looking for ways to palliate their solitude. — The New Yorker, 2 May 2022 Those would likely be limited to economic benefits to palliate the loss of crops and revenues for farmers. — Emilio Morenatti, ajc, 13 Feb. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palliate
  1. excuse
  2. alleviate
  3. justify
  4. relieve
  5. explain
  6. help
  7. mitigate
  8. soothe
Verb
  • Proprietary or uninterpretable systems do not excuse the obligation.
    — TerDawn DeBoe, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Any person who celebrates, encourages, or excuses actions like these is fundamentally wrong.
    — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of excuse
Verb
  • Jaissle is looking to bring in an experienced midfielder to succeed Guimaraes, with Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez a clear target, which should alleviate some of the expectation on Steur.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Arriaga came to Hemphill’s practice for a routine procedure to alleviate a tongue tie.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of alleviate
Verb
  • Longer commutes, hills, uneven neighborhood streets, and weekend detours all make a stronger all-around bike easier to justify.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the film, the corporation constantly looks for ways to justify not making changes.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of justify
Verb
  • Vendors gather their primary ingredient from local elementary schools, where young boys relieve themselves in buckets.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Japan, which imports almost all its oil, previously relieved heavily on oil imports from the Middle East through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains effectively closed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of relieve
Verb
  • Lanterns wastes little time explaining this backstory ad nauseam and instead creates an immediately inviting dynamic between him and Hal, who comes to him demanding information on Manhunters.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Cieloween explained that the moves shown by participants vary widely.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • The contest was founded in 1956, in part to help unite a shattered continent after World War II.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The film also serves as a tribute to friends and loyal customers who have helped shape the business.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of help
Verb
  • This presents a vital opportunity for brands to secure supply, stabilize costs, and mitigate geopolitical risks through circular supply chains.
    — Rob Kaplan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Florida’s depth is concerning, though this starting group could be productive enough to mitigate damage as others develop.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of mitigate
Verb
  • These natural waters flow from the earth, carrying muscle-soothing minerals; soaking in them is the best way to end a day spent exploring the destination, which is a true hub for outdoor adventure.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Back in South Korea, the skin-care brand has already made a name for itself with its soothing mung bean formulas, which have racked up awards from major K-beauty platforms like Hwahae and, of course, Olive Young.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of soothe

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Cite this Entry

“Palliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palliate. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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