tending to make or preserve peace; conciliatory.
pacific overtures.
a pacific disposition.
at peace; peaceful.
a pacific era in history.
The Wabash is a pacific river.
Pacific,
of or relating to the Pacific Ocean.
of or relating to the region bordering on the Pacific Ocean.
the Pacific states.
the Pacific. Pacific Ocean.
Pacific, a steam locomotive having a four-wheeled front truck, six driving wheels, and a two-wheeled rear truck.
tending or conducive to peace; conciliatory
not aggressive; opposed to the use of force
free from conflict; peaceful
What does pacific mean? The adjective pacific means peaceful, calm, tranquil, or nonviolent. When capitalized, Pacific is best known as the name of the Pacific Ocean, often simply called the Pacific. The adjective pacific is not used nearly as often as some of its common synonyms, such as peaceful. Example: While their neighbors were known as warriors, the tribe was pacific, specializing in trade.
First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French pacifique, from Latin pācificus, literally, “peacemaking,” equivalent to pāci- (combining form of pāx “peace”) + -ficus adjective suffix; see origin at peace, -fic
The word pacific refers to people, actions, and ideas that are peaceful. Pacific actions promote and create peace. A pacifist is a person who opposes all wars, and that word can help you remember that pacific things are also peaceful. All pacific things are done in a peaceful way or help the cause of peace. Protesting a war is pacific. Signing a peace treaty is pacific. The philosophy of being pacific is called pacifism. Don't confuse pacific with a small "p" with Pacific with a big "P" — as in the Pacific Ocean.
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Weather forecaster Joe Bastardi at WeatherBELL Analytics said in an interview that changes in air pressure in the central and western Pacific suggest the El Niño has already started.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026
Hull followed her third-round 65, the lowest score of a thrilling week in Pacific Palisades, with an adrenaline-fuelled closing 67 that began with an eagle and a birdie inside the first three holes.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu issued a tsunami advisory for the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
In the Pacific, New Zealand has become increasingly attractive to Americans since the launch of its Active Investor Plus visa in April 2025.
From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026
On April 5, during a break in the trial, Judge Matthew Byrne strolled along a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Richard Nixon’s San Clemente home.
From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin
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.
