as in to placate
to lessen the anger or agitation of
a game often appeases an upset toddler
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 appease
The district appeased the coaches enough to avoid a boycott — but a silent protest still took shape.
—
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 31 Dec. 2025
And yet, beneath the veil of politeness, there was rhetoric from the US president that suggests his default position in negotiations is still to pressure Kyiv, while appeasing Moscow.
—Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025
Drouhin notes that many of the wineries’ histories stretch back centuries, meaning there are multiple branches of the family and a lot of cousins to appease.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2025
Republican leaders now face growing pressure to appease centrist members who are threatening to side with Democrats to approve an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years.
—Joey Cappelletti, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appease
Verb
-
Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian has struck a more conciliatory tone, urging dialogue and promising economic reforms in bid to placate demonstrators demanding political change, action on corruption and relief from rising living costs.—
-
The authoritative tone from the Air Force panel seemed to placate the press, even though officials never actually offered a definitive explanation.—
Verb
-
That’s unlikely to comfort the oil industry that new Venezuelan and US governments don’t change the rules on them years down the line.—
-
Season two of the now award-winning, critical and commercial hit medical drama once again kicks things off with Robby heading to the hospital for his shift, but aside from our fearless leader being back on our screens, the whole setup feels less than comforting this time around.—
Verb
-
One cozy meal to consider is the Beijing Noodle Soup at Honey Buns Cafe II, which comes with pork, noodles and a variety of vegetables to soothe your cravings for comfort food.—
-
At the same time, hyaluronic acid—the gold standard for hydration—locks in moisture, soothes inflammation, and reduces texture, creating a soft, plump finish.—
Verb
-
State media in Iran called the protesters terrorists, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a public address on Friday, accusing Iranians of ruining their own streets to please the president of the United States.—
-
Whether waffle or jacquard, bath sheet or bath towel, Egyptian long-staple cotton or Turkish organic cotton, our favorite high-end options aim to please.—
Verb
-
With their help, Spain pacifies China, which becomes the jewel in the Spanish imperial crown and a strategic platform for further conquest.—
-
The Gators raced out to a 13-7 lead against the Bulldogs after two quarters, but fans were not pacified by the product on the field.—
Verb
-
Rulers on the Nile did not rely solely on their own human powers but worshipped and propitiated a natural world that was alive with gods.—
-
The credulous faith that these superpowers will voluntarily settle for some form of peaceful coexistence, if only they are sufficiently propitiated with concessions, is naive and dangerous.—
Verb
-
The question is whether a debate of this issue, even if amendments to kill it aren’t adopted, will be enough to mollify enough Freedom Caucus members for the bill to pass — or if SPEED will be the latest permitting effort to crash and burn.—
-
By many accounts retailers were pleased with their level of business Thanksgiving Day through Saturday, mollifying some concerns that higher prices and economic uncertainties would put a big dent in holiday spending.—
Verb
-
Pair it with a calming playlist and deep breaths, and even a red-eye can feel restorative.—
-
It's designed to offer a satisfying and calming shuffling motion, guided by a strong magnet and a seamless sliding track on the inside.—
Cite this Entry
“Appease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appease. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share