Meaning & use

propitiatory

adjective·Advanced

Intended to please or calm someone, especially to avoid their anger or gain their favor.

See it in a sentence

He offered a propitiatory gift to his boss after arriving late to the meeting.

The ancient ritual included a propitiatory sacrifice meant to appease the gods.

A note on using this word

Propitiatory is a formal, somewhat literary word most often paired with gestures, offerings, or sacrifices.

Words with a similar meaning

appeasingconciliatory

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

provocative

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