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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 Transit ambassadors collect fares on board, assist with questions and customer service and do most of the work of maintaining a peaceful travel environment on light rail. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2025 The debrief from plaintiff’s attorneys, who accuse federal agents of aggressive behavior against peaceful protesters, is scheduled to last up to five hours. Devan Cole, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025 The candidate looks appropriately humiliated to be shouted down by a group of peaceful citizens voicing reasonable opposition, but the stakes are low. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025 Tehran denied the claims, maintaining that its nuclear program is for peaceful and civilian purposes. MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peaceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peaceful
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
  • There’s also no strategic plan or national campaign in place that assures nonviolent resisters that their involvement is part of a grand strategy.
    Michael Shank, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The nonviolent protest at the Common on Saturday took place after last week’s pro-Palestinian rally in which protesters assaulted Boston Police officers, one of whom suffered a broken nose that required reconstructive surgery.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With stunning celerity, possibility becomes probability and then certainty, as readers reject the quiet, circuitous, and unglamorous narratives of prudential compromise, ambiguous diplomacy, or incremental progress.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Still, this isn’t about contemplation or quiet reflection.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Long, flowing lines and a neutral palette create calm, tranquil vibes throughout, while expansive windows invite light in and offer views out.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Visitors also discovered a Zen Room with agarwood scents, cushions and bell chimes, offering a tranquil pause before returning to the bustle of Paris.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Imposing granite cliff faces like Half Dome and El Capitan, serene meadows and forests, and the picturesque Merced River, all tend to come to mind.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Researchers at the University of Arizona later observed that green light—which is strongly reflected at us by plants—also triggers a release of natural opioids, promoting a serene state.
    Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Takaichi aligns with the late former prime minister's push to revise Japan’s pacifist constitution and boost the country’s defense capabilities.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Beijing is likely to respond with diplomatic criticism and even economic coercion if Takaichi increases Tokyo’s support of Taiwan, counters China’s maritime expansionism, or manages to revise Japan’s postwar pacifist constitution.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, the United States should continue to take no position on the ultimate outcome of cross-strait differences, insisting only on a peaceable process.
    STEPHEN WERTHEIM, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
  • If peaceable trading isn't your dream, consider the corsair life, pillaging other ships for their precious cargo.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Just the name inspires dreams of a plush mattress that will cocoon your body into a state of restful slumber and easy dreaming.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
  • That’s why, Manaker added, swallowing a spoonful of honey—on its own or stirred into warm water—before bed may lead to a more restful sleep.
    Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peaceful. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on peaceful

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