makes nice
Smooths things over
Makes nice means to act friendly or pleasant, often insincerely or strategically, especially after conflict or when diplomacy is needed.
It suggests smoothing things over rather than genuine warmth: She makes nice with her coworkers but complains about them at home.
After the argument, he made nice by bringing flowers.
- apologizeAcknowledge a fault
- smilePleased facial expression
- placateLessen someone's anger
- keep the peacePrevent discord or conflict
- mediateFacilitate agreement between disputants
mend fences · greet · butter up · thank · charm · reconcile · compliment · ingratiate · schmooze · bury the hatchet · patch things up · build bridges · clear the air · cajole · persuade · forgive · eat humble pie · coax
makes niceantagonizes
Actively creates hostility
provokes · aggravates · alienates · clashes · feuds
makes nicemakes a scene
Behaves disruptively in public
calls out · confronts · throws down the gauntlet · escalates · rocks the boat
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