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.
The majority of the industry’s bycatch is jellyfish, pacific cod, and squid. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026 The trans-Pacific flight that took place over a month between August and September 2026 was the most notable milestone yet for Sceye, a US aerospace company based near Albuquerque, New Mexico. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026 In California alone, the last four days were over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the longest such streak on record; and driven by an unprecedented El Niño, the last five Pacific hurricanes have set new highs for their power and permanence. — Elijah Wolfson, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2026 The last five Pacific hurricanes — long-lasting Nolo, Odalys, Polo, Rachel and Simon — have all reached major status with winds of at least 111 mph. — CBS News, 13 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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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