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pacific

adjective
pa·​cif·​ic | \ pÉ™-ˈsi-fik How to pronounce pacific (audio) \

Definition of pacific

1a : tending to lessen conflict : conciliatory
b : rejecting the use of force as an instrument of policy
2a : having a soothing appearance or effect mild pacific breezes
b : mild of temper : peaceable
3 capitalized : of, relating to, bordering on, or situated near the Pacific Ocean
Other Words from pacific Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about pacific

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Other Words from pacific

pacifically \ pÉ™-​ˈsi-​fi-​k(É™-​)lÄ“ How to pronounce pacifically (audio) \ adverb

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

 Anne has fomented violence in Cécile’s pacific nature. — Rachel Cusk, The New Yorker, "Françoise Sagan, the Great Interrogator of Morality," 21 Aug. 2019 Populations of pacific herring, a cornerstone of the local fishing industry, collapsed. — Stephen Leahy, National Geographic, "Exxon Valdez changed the oil industry forever—but new threats emerge," 22 Mar. 2019 The median age for Native Hawaiian and pacific islanders increased the most by 2.6 years in the eight-year period. — Bloomberg News, al.com, "Half of America’s population is now 38-years-old or older," 21 June 2019 The current law has been credited with rebuilding 43 stocks since 2000 including Atlantic sea scallops, pacific canary rockfish and Atlantic scup, also known as porgy. — Ledyard King, USA TODAY, "Go fish: under President Trump, changing political tide opens water for anglers," 21 Mar. 2018 Only the pacific was left, that most dangerous part. — Fox News, "Huckabee on America's hazing problem," 12 Mar. 2018 Previously, pacific coast and mountain-time viewers would view primetime coverage on a tape delay. — Tamara Fuentes, Harper's BAZAAR, "How to Watch the 2018 Winter Olympics," 8 Feb. 2018 The biggest risers in the world are pacific island nation Vanuatu, jumping 28 places to 157th. — SI.com, "Germany Ends 2017 Atop FIFA Ranking; USA Ends Tied for 24th," 21 Dec. 2017 Anti-Semitism had little or no place in Italian fascist doctrine before 1938, reflecting the Italian Jewish community’s relatively pacific existence on the peninsula. — Ruth Ben-ghiat, Slate Magazine, "Why Italian fascists embraced Hitler’s anti-Semitism.," 20 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pacific.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of pacific

circa 1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for pacific

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

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More Definitions for pacific

pacific

adjective
How to pronounce pacific (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of pacific

: of, relating to, bordering on, or near the Pacific Ocean
: calm and peaceful
: loving peace : not wanting war or conflict

See the full definition for pacific in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pacific

adjective
pa·​cif·​ic | \ pÉ™-ˈsi-fik How to pronounce pacific (audio) \

Kids Definition of pacific

1 : calm entry 3 sense 1, peaceful pacific skies
2 : loving or wanting peace a pacific man

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More from Merriam-Webster on pacific

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with pacific

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pacific

Spanish Central: Translation of pacific

Nglish: Translation of pacific for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of pacific for Arabic Speakers

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