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

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 mollify Netanyahu’s explanations were largely aimed at mollifying his right-wing supporters who adamantly oppose the entry of any humanitarian aid to Gaza, including to civilians. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 20 May 2025 His remarking that the G7 should be the G8 with Russia brought back into this exclusive club—or even the G9, with China in as well—and other mollifying gestures stir deep anxieties. Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 Much of their war of words actually has appeared intended to mollify nationalistic critics on their own sides. Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025 Yet as with Brexit, its ultimate impact is unsettled: Mr. Trump could yet reverse himself, chastened by plummeting markets or mollified by one-off deals. Mark Landler, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mollify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mollify
Verb
  • The courtroom was so overcrowded at one point that town officials warned the building might collapse, prompting the judge to set up a temporary court outside to appease the masses.
    Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 10 July 2025
  • In the marathon overnight session that spanned more than 24 hours, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and his team made several eleventh-hour changes to appease holdouts like Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who had expressed concerns about the bill’s cuts to social safety net programs.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Shriners Hospitals for Children have also alleviated the financial burden on the Petersons by covering the costs of Hadley's medical procedures, some of which would normally cost tens of thousands of dollars.
    Analisa Novak, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • And if its alleviating dryness in the air, look no further than Levoit’s humidifier which adds moisture with ease.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Troy Morrow − whose 76-year-old mother suffered facial fractures and a concussion after being knocked to the pavement by Raleigh's son during the incident − was visibly relieved after the jury in Hamilton County Municipal Court announced its decision.
    Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
  • Designed for a couch-like feel, this bed helps relieve pressure on your dog’s joints.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • His 32 homers have helped keep the Dodgers in first place, but he’s hit just three of them during the month of July.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • Three simple questions can help leaders better engage with the full experience of change: • How does my body feel at this moment?
    Inga Bielińska, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • One 2013 study found that the sound of waves relaxed people more than soothing music, so perhaps that is what’s having an effect.
    Daisy Jones, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Trump had sought to deliver peace by soothing U.S. relations with Russia and distancing Washington from Ukraine, but now sees himself as misled by Putin.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • For these reasons, Austin’s flood risk through Wednesday is mitigated.
    Justin Ballard, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
  • This approach, the companies say, not only mitigates legal risk but establishes a higher standard for the ethical use of AI in media.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The city would also have to implement measures to fast-track developments with affordable housing in more affluent, majority-white neighborhoods by easing zoning restrictions and approvals, per the agreement, sources who were privy to the negotiations said.
    Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
  • Being prepared also eases the emotional drain and financial instability that can occur when a career curveball, such as a layoff, catches you off guard.
    Kevin Walters, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mollify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mollify. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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