Synonym Chooser

How does the verb mollify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mollify are appease, conciliate, pacify, placate, and propitiate. While all these words mean "to ease the anger or disturbance of," mollify implies soothing hurt feelings or rising anger.

a speech that mollified the demonstrators

When is appease a more appropriate choice than mollify?

The words appease and mollify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, appease implies quieting insistent demands by making concessions.

appease their territorial ambitions

When might conciliate be a better fit than mollify?

The meanings of conciliate and mollify largely overlap; however, conciliate suggests ending an estrangement by persuasion, concession, or settling of differences.

conciliating the belligerent nations

When is it sensible to use pacify instead of mollify?

While in some cases nearly identical to mollify, pacify suggests a soothing or calming.

pacified by a sincere apology

When could placate be used to replace mollify?

In some situations, the words placate and mollify are roughly equivalent. However, placate suggests changing resentment or bitterness to goodwill.

a move to placate local opposition

Where would propitiate be a reasonable alternative to mollify?

The synonyms propitiate and mollify are sometimes interchangeable, but propitiate implies averting anger or malevolence especially of a superior being.

propitiated his parents by dressing up

Examples 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 mollify Certainly, additional court security measures can partially mollify these risks, but closure of hearings is another tool this court can employ to ensure these parties’ safe access to the courthouse. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2024 The document could dispel those notions and also mollify some critics who've blasted Harris for not being more detailed about her policy plans if elected. Emily Peck, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024 Hezbollah has seemed unexpectedly vulnerable in the wake of Israel’s recent attacks, with little in the way of a response that would mollify its internal base. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2024 But exuberant, altruistic reasons didn’t mollify many angry residents. Marianne Mather, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mollify 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mollify
Verb
  • But no further arrests have been made, and more threats have come in despite authorities stepping up security measures, threatening legal punishments, appeasing airlines and reassuring panicked passengers.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024
  • Trump has more recently waffled on his view, trying to strike a balance between appeasing traditional GOP voter bases while also appealing to undecided voters who could determine the November election.
    Rebecca Picciotto, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Employees can help alleviate holiday stress by being proactive.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Pain Relief – Cannabinoids like THC and CBD have analgesic properties that may help alleviate body aches and headaches associated with the flu.
    Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Salt particles also land on your skin, which may help relieve eczema and psoriasis symptoms.
    McKenzie Rankin, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The audience is kept a step ahead when there was a flaw in the plan and trouble was lurking, so our building tensions could be relieved by how flawlessly our heroes improvised their way out of jams.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In 2023, the couple helped open The Last Place in downtown Louisville, the Courier Journal previously reported.
    Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The tubes also represent a mathematical model that can help researchers figure out what was happening acoustically inside the crest.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Ingrown nails will be trimmed; calluses, corns, and loose skin will be removed; cracked heels or other problem areas will be soothed.
    Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The hero ingredient is heartleaf extract, which studies have shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties perfect for soothing, calming, and toning down redness.
    Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Investments in health and education can mitigate the impact of population aging.
    Vegard Skirbekk, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Compression socks direct more blood from your legs to your GI tract, mitigating the issue, according to a 2022 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Exercise will ease stress and encourage you to kick back, evaluate and conclude what’s best for you.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Getting outside and going on a walk or run is certainly one way to get some fresh air and ease your mind.
    Carolyn Burt, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near mollify

Cite this Entry

“Mollify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mollify. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on mollify

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