Conciliatory means intended to make peace, calm anger, or restore friendly feelings after a disagreement. When you take a conciliatory approach, you're trying to end conflict rather than win an argument.

After a heated debate about which game to play at recess, you might offer a conciliatory suggestion: “How about we play your game today and mine tomorrow?” That's conciliatory because you're looking for a solution that helps everyone feel better, not insisting on getting your way.

A conciliatory tone of voice sounds gentle and understanding rather than sharp or defensive. If two friends have been fighting and one sends a conciliatory text message, they're reaching out to repair the friendship, perhaps apologizing or acknowledging the other person's feelings.

Leaders often use conciliatory language when trying to bring opposing groups together. A conciliatory gesture might be as simple as offering to shake hands after an argument or as significant as a formal apology.

Being conciliatory doesn't mean you're admitting you were wrong. It means you value the relationship or peace more than continuing the conflict.