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Synonyms

palliative

American  
[pal-ee-ey-tiv, -ee-uh-tiv] / ˈpæl iˌeɪ tɪv, -i ə tɪv /

adjective

  1. serving to palliate.

noun

  1. something that palliates.

palliative British  
/ ˈpælɪətɪv /

adjective

  1. serving to palliate; relieving without curing

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. something that palliates, such as a sedative drug or agent

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonpalliative adjective
  • nonpalliatively adverb
  • palliatively adverb
  • unpalliative adjective

Etymology

Origin of palliative

From the French word palliatif, dating back to 1535–45. See palliate, -ive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Improving access to palliative care has been a common theme in the reaction to the bill's defeat.

From BBC

During debates, MSPs repeatedly raised the risk that people might consider assisted dying because they lacked sufficient palliative or social‑care support, further reinforcing the need for system improvements.

From BBC

Critics also argued the focus should be on improving palliative care.

From BBC

Doctors must also discuss palliative care options with the patient.

From BBC

A duty to discuss palliative care, hospice care, and alternative treatment options was also introduced, reigniting a debate about the quality of end-of-life care.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.