as in placating
tending to lessen or avoid conflict or hostility
we had been feuding with the people next door, so inviting them to the party was intended as an appeasing gesture
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in comforting
to lessen the anger or agitation of
a game often appeases an upset toddler
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of appeasing
Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 9 May 2026
Cuba’s president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, publicly acknowledged discussions between the two governments last week and pledged a series of reforms aimed at appeasing Washington, a concession that indicated both the urgency of the domestic crisis and the vulnerability of the regime.
—Sarah Fitzpatrick, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
But then appeasing tradition and upending it both at once, which certainly is the pragmatic philosophy of Lyric, always is a tricky matter.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Or appeasing, deferential, self-deprecating or overly accommodating if you're hypoaroused.
—Dr. Joel M. Rothaizer, Forbes.com, 5 Mar. 2026
But, arguably, many of them have been accomplished by appeasing the concerns of the massive and powerful voting bloc of homeowners.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
The smooth Italian leather looks buttery and luxurious, while the simplicity of the silhouette is appeasing my favorite sleek, clean aesthetic.
—Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
Parents are questioning whether four years and six figures are worth it, especially as campuses are increasingly overtaken by chaos, radical activism, and administrators more concerned with appeasing ideological mobs than educating students.
—Riley Gaines Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
The move is aimed at appeasing moderate Republicans who are trying to force votes, through what is known as a discharge petition, on separate pieces of legislation to extend the tax credits for one to two years with reforms.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
Verb
Over the past month, Iranian officials have tried to carefully balance negotiations with Trump while appeasing powerful factions across the country’s diverse political landscape, including the Paydari group.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 9 May 2026
Cuba’s president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, publicly acknowledged discussions between the two governments last week and pledged a series of reforms aimed at appeasing Washington, a concession that indicated both the urgency of the domestic crisis and the vulnerability of the regime.
—Sarah Fitzpatrick, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
But then appeasing tradition and upending it both at once, which certainly is the pragmatic philosophy of Lyric, always is a tricky matter.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Or appeasing, deferential, self-deprecating or overly accommodating if you're hypoaroused.
—Dr. Joel M. Rothaizer, Forbes.com, 5 Mar. 2026
But, arguably, many of them have been accomplished by appeasing the concerns of the massive and powerful voting bloc of homeowners.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
The smooth Italian leather looks buttery and luxurious, while the simplicity of the silhouette is appeasing my favorite sleek, clean aesthetic.
—Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
Parents are questioning whether four years and six figures are worth it, especially as campuses are increasingly overtaken by chaos, radical activism, and administrators more concerned with appeasing ideological mobs than educating students.
—Riley Gaines Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
The move is aimed at appeasing moderate Republicans who are trying to force votes, through what is known as a discharge petition, on separate pieces of legislation to extend the tax credits for one to two years with reforms.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appeasing
Verb
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Caitlin Vaccaro has forged a decade-long career as a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), caring for newborns in need and comforting their parents along the way.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
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From comforting classics to a few new-school favorites, these five pasta recipes were on the top of everyone's list.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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Xi nonetheless struck a more conciliatory tone when describing the overall relationship.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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In their joint statement Wednesday, the district and the station struck a conciliatory tone.—
Aaron Leibowitz,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
Verb
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In your opinion, should the shop have handled this differently—perhaps compensating or at least placating me?—
Hartford Courant,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
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If Paul’s creed is essentially Roman, then Christianity looks, from the outset, like a religion trained to live with empire, its compass always set toward placating power.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Opt for the signature Polynesian massage, which mimics soothing wave-like movements from head to toe.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
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The formula includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, giving it a soothing, balm-like feel that softens lips overnight.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
Verb
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The aesthetic Eye-pleasing patterns, mystical motifs, and fun, boldly colored pairings.—
Bridget Mills-Powell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 May 2026
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Nevertheless, an underrated aspect of Alonso’s work is his dry sense of humor, which plays out here in the affectless performances and the blank time filled by awkward glances and pleasing animal appearances.—
Beatrice Loayza,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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The overflow doctor had benevolent eyes and doughy cheeks, like fresh loaves of bread.—
Nami Mun,
The Atlantic,
16 May 2026
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That’s particularly noteworthy with sloths, with faces configured in a permanently benevolent expression.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
Verb
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The terrace, with its spacious dining table, is the clear centerpiece of the apartment; though inside, a commitment to minimalism creates a calming atmosphere.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
14 May 2026
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Designed with plush ComfyFleece fabric and supportive memory foam, this dog bed gently cushions joints while the wraparound bolster sides create a secure, calming space for rest and relaxation.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The close-ups of the fans who did stay in pain, looking away in disgust and consoling one another, were powerful.—
Joe Prince-Wright,
NBC news,
13 Mar. 2026
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State media has repeatedly shown Kim honoring returning North Korean soldiers who fought for Russia and consoling the families of those killed.—
Will Ripley,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Appeasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appeasing. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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