pacific

adjective

pa·​cif·​ic pə-ˈsi-fik How to pronounce pacific (audio)
Synonyms of pacificnext
1
a
: tending to lessen conflict : conciliatory
b
: rejecting the use of force as an instrument of policy
2
a
: having a soothing appearance or effect
mild pacific breezes
b
: mild of temper : peaceable
3
Pacific : of, relating to, bordering on, or situated near the Pacific Ocean
pacifically
pə-ˈsi-fi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce pacific (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of pacific

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Examples of pacific in a Sentence

as a pacific gesture, we invited our feuding neighbors to our backyard barbecue a pacific nation that has managed to remain neutral even during times of world conflict
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Kiribati, a tiny Pacific neighbor to Hawaii that has grown ties with Beijing, detained a Chinese vessel this month for illegally harvesting shark fins, its maritime police told AFP. — CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Delta’s president, Peter Carter, told CNBC in June that the airline wants to fight United’s dominance, especially for trans-Pacific flights. — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 Despite polarization, bipartisan majorities continue to back NATO, Indo-Pacific partnerships such as AUKUS and the Quad, and defense-industrial integration. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines canceled 54 inter-island flights and 11 trans-Pacific flights Saturday because of the storm. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pacific

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pacifique, from Latin pacificus, from pac-, pax peace + -i- + -ficus -fic — more at pact

First Known Use

circa 1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pacific was circa 1548

Rhymes for pacific

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Browse Nearby Words

pacifiable
pacific
Pacifica
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Cite this Entry

“Pacific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pacific. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pacific

adjective
pa·​cif·​ic pə-ˈsif-ik How to pronounce pacific (audio)
1
: tending to lessen or avoid fights or disagreements
2
: having a peaceful nature
pacifically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce pacific (audio)
adverb
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