Definitions

pacify

[pas-uh-fahy] / ˈpæs əˌfaɪ /

VERB

make peaceful; appease

Synonyms

STRONGEST

allay ameliorate assuage mitigate mollify placate quell repress smooth over soothe tame

STRONG

calm chasten compose con conciliate cool dulcify grease lull moderate propitiate qualify quiet relieve silence soft pedal soften square still stroke subdue sweeten temper tranquilize

WEAK

bury the hatchet butter up fix up kiss and make up lay back make peace pacificate put the lid on take the edge off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aggravate agitate incite intensify irritate provoke upset worry worsen

STRONG

anger arouse excite rouse trouble

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I don't think we should expect to pacify the crowd, that might not be possible.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2025

There’s a mercenary quality to the more ostentatious looks; they please crowds or pacify them for long enough to compel closer listening to the intricacies of her music.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2025

It starts with Lamar rapping quickly but calmly over a smooth-jazz backdrop, taunting, “I make music that electrify ’em, you make music that pacify ’em.”

From New York Times • May 3, 2024

The industry has previously tried to pacify the public and regulators with promises that never materialized, he said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 2, 2024

When someone falls sick, a shaman can contact the spirit that caused the sickness and try to pacify it or scare it away.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

Vocabulary lists containing pacify

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Power Suffix: -fy

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Farewell to Manzanar

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!