GRE Words for Calm and Soothe

These 15 GRE words all share the meaning of calm and soothe. Studying them as one cluster is far more efficient than learning each in isolation, because the GRE tests words by how they relate to each other. Each entry below links to a full definition page with example sentences and memory hooks.

Why this cluster matters

On Sentence Equivalence you must choose two words that give the sentence the same meaning. That means the answer is almost always a synonym pair pulled from a cluster like this one. Watch the connotation tone on each word: a positive and a negative word rarely form a correct pair, even when their definitions look close.

The 15 words

alleviateverbPositive tone

To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe

ameliorateverbPositive tone

To make something bad or unsatisfactory better

appeaseverbNeutral tone

To pacify or placate someone by acceding to their demands

assuageverbPositive tone

To make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to satisfy an appetite or desire

composedadjectivePositive tone

Having one's feelings and expression under control; calm

mitigateverbPositive tone

To make less severe, serious, or painful

mollifyverbPositive tone

To appease the anger or anxiety of someone

pacifyverbPositive tone

To bring peace to; to calm down; to appease

placateverbPositive tone

To make someone less angry or hostile; to appease

placidadjectivePositive tone

Not easily upset or excited; calm and peaceful

quiescentadjectiveNeutral tone

In a state of inactivity or dormancy

sanguineadjectivePositive tone

Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation

sereneadjectivePositive tone

Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil

tranquiladjectivePositive tone

Free from disturbance; calm and peaceful

unruffledadjectivePositive tone

Not agitated or disturbed; calm

Keep going

Master every word for Calm and Soothe

Learn 1,000+ GRE words through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.