When desires, expectations, or needs are satisfied, they are fulfilled. A hearty meal might satisfy one's appetite (nice and simple!). The verb appease is used a little differently: to appease someone is to calm, pacify, or soothe them. The core idea behind appease is that of preserving or obtaining peace, but the term is not without conflict: sometimes appease suggests making anxious overtures or undue concessions, perhaps at the expense of what one feels is right, to satisfy demands of powerful people or entities.

No need to check, restrain, or even curb your enthusiasm for today’s Synonym of the Day. To curb something is to restrain or control it. This meaning is rooted in the noun sense of curb, a bit used to control a horse. However, the verb is most commonly used to talk about restricting or limiting negative forces such as violence, corruption, or pollution.

The adjective bashful isn’t one for the spotlight, but it’s the center of attention today! Bashful is an adjective that means “uncomfortably diffident and easily embarrassed.” This timid term suggests trepidation and awkward behavior when brought into prominence or notice. However, sometimes bashful suggests modesty and sensitivity more than fear or self-doubt.