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Synonym Chooser

How is the word peaceful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of peaceful are calm, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

In what contexts can calm take the place of peaceful?

The synonyms calm and peaceful are sometimes interchangeable, but calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

When could placid be used to replace peaceful?

In some situations, the words placid and peaceful are roughly equivalent. However, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When would serene be a good substitute for peaceful?

The words serene and peaceful can be used in similar contexts, but serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of peaceful?

Although the words tranquil and peaceful have much in common, tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of peaceful Her college roommate had made a pie, and cops were now allowed to open fire on peaceful protesters if the peace seemed tenuous in any way. Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025 While violence was reported near a Portland ICE facility in June, the state alleged that, by late summer, protests had become small and largely peaceful. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025 Following the release, Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and disarmament would receive amnesty, with safe passage offered to those wishing to leave Gaza for countries that have agreed to receive them. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 Though largely peaceful, in some cases, the protests have included clashes with law enforcement and the use of tear gas. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peaceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peaceful
Adjective
  • In the past, prosecutors in Portland routinely declined to pursue cases against people arrested for nonviolent offenses during protests, although the Multnomah County district attorney promised earlier this year to change that policy, The Oregonian reported.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The News & Observer reported that the task force made recommendations on, among other things, implementing cashless bail for nonviolent misdemeanors and keeping pregnant women safe in prisons.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Hours after the deal’s announcement, videos posted on social media by correspondents and Unicef spokesperson James Elder in Gaza showed a relatively quiet night sky, a rare occurrence in an enclave that has faced incessant bombardments for just over two years.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
  • When Venus journeys through Virgo, affection looks like cooking a meal for someone, fixing what’s broken or showing up in quiet, consistent ways.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The tranquil, upscale neighborhood of Pacific Palisades was devastated by the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County in January, destroying thousands of structures—including the home of celebrities such as Jeff Bridges, Paris Hilton, and Billy Crystal.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Out-of-towners were enjoying the warm weather and music on an outdoor deck at the American Fish Company in Southport, a small and tranquil city near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, when gunshots rang out.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This serene, design-forward space oozes relaxation — cozy up in one of the sculptural chairs and get ready for one of the best massages in town.
    Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Among the Trees and Hilltops After Nobu’s serene luxury, Acre Resort was a lush escape.
    Lisa Greissinger, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Courtesy: Apple Apple on Tuesday sent invites to the media and analysts for a launch event at its campus on September 9 at 10 A.M pacific time.
    Kif Leswing, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025
  • My late grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, served in the pacific campaign.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, as believing Christians, Jews, or Muslims know, the founders and leaders of these major world religions advocate understanding of others, empathy for their suffering, and the pursuit of peaceable relations with all.
    Howard Steele, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Such was the peaceable dreaming, the end-of-history thinking, in the wake of the Twelve-Day War.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Rooms also feature Hästens mattresses for a supremely restful night’s sleep.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Teens are taking notice, and some might be considering turning to the supplement for more restful sleep, less anxiety, and better gut health.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The latter were sometimes embroidered on his signature woolen cardigans and shawls bearing stylized versions of placid landscapes, bandana patterns or geometric motifs.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The main house is every bit the grand country residence, with vast reception rooms, an orangery overlooking the placid waters of Lower Lough Erne, and a kitchen that’s equal parts stately and practical.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peaceful. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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