make nice

Bury the hatchet

Make nice is to behave in a friendly or conciliatory way, especially when you don't feel like it or after a conflict: The boss told us to make nice with the client even though they'd been impossible.

The phrase often implies the friendliness is performed rather than genuine—smoothing things over for practical reasons rather than from warmth.

appeasement

placate

Lessen someone's anger

appease · conciliate · propitiate · defuse · calm down · assuage · win over · butter up · curry favor · ingratiate

reconciliation

reconcile

Resolve a disagreement

smooth over · clear the air · bridge-building · olive branch · rapprochement · détente · truce · healing · repair · resolution

cooperation

get along

Maintain friendly relations

compromise · meet halfway · find common ground · accommodate · give and take · coexist · harmonize · pull together · team up · join forces

politeness

be civil

Act with courtesy

small talk · diplomatic · tactful · polite · courteous · respectful · decorous · well-mannered · proper · genteel

Opposites
interpersonal conflict behavior

make nicepick a fight

Intentionally provoke a quarrel

stir the pot · antagonize · provoke · make waves · escalate

authenticity of reconciliation

make nicehave it out

Resolve dispute through confrontation

clear the air · sincere apology · make amends · speak one's mind

Family

make, nice, nicely, nicest, nicer, niceness, niceish, overnice, nice-looking

Familiarity
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Known to kids · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G