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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 In addition, march organizers emphasized peaceful protest ahead of the event. Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2025 Many celebrities highlighted the need for peaceful resistance and the importance of participating in upcoming elections. Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025 Saturday's rally was peaceful and there were no arrests, according to the Austin Police Department. Emma Bowman, NPR, 19 Oct. 2025 Other protesters wore costumes, including inflatable chickens, frogs and dinosaurs, which some said emphasized the peaceful nature of the demonstrations. Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peaceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peaceful
Adjective
  • However, there have been many reports that individuals with no criminal records or nonviolent offense that are sometimes from decades ago are being targeted in the heightened enforcement.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 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
  • Where to stay On a quiet side street in the Latin Quarter, near the Jardin des Plantes and a 30-minute stroll from the catacombs is the Le Jardin de Verre by Locke, which opened in March 2025.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Meloni told the Saturday Night Live star to remain quiet as he FaceTimed Hargitay, who was en route to Poehler’s podcast.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 22 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
  • Monochromatic Raven loves to stick to a simple, serene palette by combining a variety of white tulips with different bloom times.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Poland’s Nazi labyrinth The countryside around the little Polish village of Pniewo looks serene, with its yellow crops and patches of forest, but beneath the surface lies a sprawling 20-mile maze of tunnels, shafts, underground railway stations and combat facilities.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 18 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
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • In a small town like Harding, a crime involving local children of local families shatters the relatively placid and usually numb routines of daily life.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peaceful. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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