To reduce someone's anger, anxiety, or dissatisfaction.
Reach for it when describing a conciliatory action that addresses emotion without claiming the underlying issue is resolved
A direct apology helped mollify residents who had received no warning.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
| literary |
everyday
Fits when agitation decreases in neutral language
Careful Calm describes the result but not the conciliatory action.
warm
Fits when credible information reduces fear or uncertainty
Careful Reassure fits anxiety and doubt, not justified anger.
warm
Fits when gentle care reduces emotional distress
Careful Soothe can ease sadness or pain without addressing anger or complaint.
professional
appease
Fits when a concession satisfies an upset person enough to reduce conflict
Careful Appease can imply giving in for peace without correcting the cause.
professional
Fits when active conflict is brought under control
Careful Pacify can be coercive and is inappropriate for someone seeking to be heard.
formal
placate
Fits when someone's anger is quieted by words or concessions
Careful Placate can sound manipulative and temporary.
literary
Fits when the intensity of an unpleasant feeling is reduced
Careful Assuage is elevated and often pairs with guilt, fear, or pain rather than an angry person.
mollify critics
Publishing the full evidence did more to mollify critics than another promise.
attempt to mollify
The manager attempted to mollify customers with refunds and a clear repair date.
mollify concerns
One independent inspection may mollify concerns about the repaired roof.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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