Placate is a verba word that shows an action, state, or occurrence that means to calmto make less worried, angry, or excited someone down or make them less upset, especially by doing something that helps them feel satisfiedcontent because a need or wish has been met or less angry.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-25. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈpleɪkeɪt/
Easy pronunciation: PLAY-kayt (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable.
Verb meaning to calm someone, reduce anger, or win good will.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-25. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Placate Meaning
to calm someone or make them less angry or upset
Part of speech: verb
Definition: cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
Example: She tried to placate her angry boss by explaining the mistake and offering a quick fix.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- appease — Works well when the goal is to calm anger or frustration.
- conciliate — A close formal synonym meaning to win someone over or reduce hostility.
- mollify — Works when someone is upset and you try to soothe them.
- pacify — A strong substitute when the sense is calming someone down or restoring peace.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-25. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Placate Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- appease
- conciliate
- mollify
- pacify
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-25. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes confuse placate with simply 'please' or 'appease,' but placate specifically suggests calming someone's anger or displeasure.
- Placate is often used with a person or group, not with an abstract problem.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-25. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does placate mean in simple English?
Placate means to calm someone down or make them less angry or upset.
Is placate the same as appease?
They are very close. Both can mean to calm someone or reduce anger, but appease can sometimes suggest giving in to keep someone satisfied.
What is a good synonym for placate?
Good synonyms include appease, conciliate, mollify, and pacify.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-25. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
