conciliation
Britishnoun
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the act or process of conciliating
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a method of helping the parties in a dispute to reach agreement, esp divorcing or separating couples to part amicably
Explanation
When you calm someone down, soothing their anger or distrust, that's conciliation. Conciliation is an important part of making peace between two warring countries. If you've had a misunderstanding with a friend that you're determined to put right, there's likely to be a tone of conciliation in your voice as you invite her to meet for lunch. You can also use conciliation to bring two other people or groups to an understanding, the way a mediator does when people get divorced, or a peacekeeper works with hostile countries. The Latin root, conciliationem, means "a connection, union, or bond," or literally, "a making friendly."
Vocabulary lists containing conciliation
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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.
John Palmer, senior advisor at conciliation service Acas, says firms must treat requests for time off fairly - there will be Mexico fans as well as England supporters in the workforce.
From BBC • Jul. 3, 2026
Below that, an inscription will read: “Symbols of local worship places I took my young children to. Thanking America’s freedom of religion. And hoping for a conciliation between Islam, Christianity and other religions.”
From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026
Officials fear that a forceful U.S. push to strike a deal for the Arctic island could split European capitals, with some seeking conciliation and others advocating firm resistance.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026
The Supreme Court reacted by beginning a process of conciliation between all parties involved.
From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025
“On considering the situation of things,” he recalled, “I thought the first step towards some conciliation of views would be to bring Mr. Madison and Colo. Hamilton to a friendly discussion of the subject.”
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
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.
