PALLIATIVE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

palliative 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of palliative

as in curative

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Dissimilar Words

palliative

2 of 2

noun

as in sedative

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as in medicine

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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

Rumi underwent a complex palliative heart operation Monday called a Norwood procedure, which is the first of three procedures in the treatment for his heart condition. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026 Scopolamine also has legitimate applications, and has been used to treat nausea and as palliative care for Parkinson’s patients. — Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 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

Yet despite their curative potential, uptake of gene therapies for sickle cell disease has been slow.

— Steven Ross Johnson, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
For some patients, a single treatment can produce a durable or potentially curative response, reducing the need for years of ongoing therapy and the associated burden, side effects and cost.

— Jigar Thakkar, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of curative

Noun

In 1961, however, studies in animals revealed that clozapine acts primarily as a sedative and exerts its effects without inducing muscle rigidity, as previous antipsychotics had.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026
Pike, 50, who was sentenced to death for a 1995 murder, was administered two doses of just one drug, pentobarbital, a sedative.

— Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of sedative

Adjective

More research is needed to better understand the connection between creatine and cognition; but the supplement may be beneficial for brain health, particularly in older adults and for issues related to sleep deprivation.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
But Helland said such undertakings, while potentially beneficial, were voluntary on the part of the cities.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of beneficial

Noun

Although a security blanket shut down central Paris to road traffic, the party-like atmosphere drew people of multiple faiths and no faith at all.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Tucker Kraft has been a nice security blanket for the Packers, catching five of nine targets for 80 yards.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of security blanket

Noun

For instance, the company launched its bronzing drops because community members asked for them on a TikTok live, and created a pickle lip balm because pickles were a huge trend on social media.

— Colleen McKown, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
There will always be people who prefer a traditional lipstick over a gloss or whatever gloss-balm-stain fusion is trending.

— Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of balm

Adjective

Graduation rates continue to rise, but the number of students who require remedial coursework after high school remains high.

— Matt Williams, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Public agencies can buy from or encourage corporate procurers to buy from those AI providers that have complied with remedial measures or provided access to evaluators.

— Bhaskar Chakravorti, Fortune, 20 Sep. 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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Style

“Palliative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palliative. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of palliative

adjective

noun

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