PALLIATIVE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

palliative 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of palliative

as in curative

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

palliative

2 of 2

noun

as in sedative

Related Words

as in medicine

Related Words

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 palliative

Adjective

Ryan found his way to the death world after his husband died of cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile ducts, and was volunteering as a doula at Mount Sinai’s palliative-care program. — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 Without robust pediatric palliative care and resources, some families watch their children die in hospitals. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 20 July 2026

Noun

Those facing these difficult end-of-life decisions may benefit from seeking out veterinary palliative and hospice care, which is increasingly available. — David L. Weimer, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026 In 2018, Kushner’s relationship with Videgaray was a crucial palliative, as the two men worked to resolve disputes behind the scenes. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for palliative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for palliative

Adjective

Hospice offers terminal patients an alternative to the chaotic, clinical environment of a hospital; the emphasis is on dignity and comfort rather than on curative treatment.

— Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Unfortunately, there are cases where an individual’s illness is so advanced that there is no curative treatment available.

— Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026

Definition of curative

Noun

Monroe reportedly ingested a lethal dose of Nembutal, an anxiety medication, as well as a large dose of chloral hydrate, a drug used as a sedative.

— Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Native to the Pacific Islands, its active compounds (kavalactones) act directly on the brain's GABA receptors much like a mild sedative and are typically used for acute anxiety or insomnia.

— Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of sedative

Noun

Prosecutors allege Clancy planned the killings by sending her husband to pick up takeout food and medicine, then, while he was gone, strangled the children with exercise bands.

— Melina Khan, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Vanessa graduated from Florida International University, completed medical school, and entered a three-year emergency-medicine residency program at a South Florida hospital.

— Tania Francois, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of medicine

Adjective

Unlike tobacco, a static product with no real defensible qualities outside of recreation, consumer technology is ever evolving, and the lines between harmfully addictive and beneficial to society can be extremely blurry.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
Also, ants are a beneficial insect and may not even be harming your plants.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of beneficial

Noun

Its buttery formula glides on effortlessly, delivering a soft, buildable wash of color while still providing the comfort of a balm.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Its numerous loungers under umbrellas are placed around the cove, near the pebble beach, overlooking the micro marina, and beside the refreshingly cool, semi-indoor panoramic swimming pool that was a balm on a hot day.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of balm

Adjective

Taking the jury back in time Each day of the trial has required explanations for how the world was different in 1996, a reminder for the older jurors and a remedial education for the younger ones.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
The order required that ICE develop and file, within 14 days, a remedial plan to implement comprehensive systems for medical care and disability accommodations.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of remedial

Noun

Notably, Picolette includes a stylish diaper bag with various compartments—there’s even one to hold a pacifier and another to let parents grab baby wipes with ease.

— Anna Halkidis, Parents, 20 July 2026
Lastly, be prepared with a pacifier for babies or a straw in a juice box for toddlers to suck on during takeoff or landing, when the air pressure changes can cause their little ears to pop.

— Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026

Definition of pacifier

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“Palliative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palliative. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of palliative

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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