Definition of peacefulnext
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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 The peaceful exile is shattered when Ravana’s sister, Surpanakha (played by Rakul Preet Singh), becomes infatuated with Rama, setting off a chain of events that leads to her humiliation. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 July 2026 There are new laws, there’s a program for peaceful coexistence, there have been significant releases, and there’s an amnesty law. Eric Cortellessa, Time, 30 July 2026 Neighborhoods like Lakeside Pointe, Harbor Boulevard, and Royal Oak Estates are among the most affordable in Leesburg; all are known for being peaceful, safe, family-friendly, and tree-lined. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026 The peaceful massaging relaxation of these luxurious tubs can be a dream for many. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for peaceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peaceful
Adjective
  • National Aquarium cams The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, operates a series of cameras of marine animals, including reef sharks, jellyfish and fish in a Pacific coral reef.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 1 June 2026
  • These conditions tend to suppress Atlantic hurricane development, whereas the eastern and central Pacific hurricane seasons are typically more active during strong El Niño events.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Gandhi supplied the repertoire of nonviolent resistance; Ambedkar, the architect of India’s constitution and a champion of Dalit rights, supplied a politics of dignity, representation and institutional accountability.
    Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The vast majority of the arrests made by the task force — whether for immigration or otherwise — have been for nonviolent crimes, according to data from the city.
    Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • Venus enters Libra and your 12th House of Solitude, bringing healing, privacy, and quiet restoration.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Path two runs through Congress, where Senators Schiff and Curtis have a bill declaring the quiet part, the Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act, and the AGA is lobbying for exactly that.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Bedrooms are tranquil and restorative, with clean lines, balconies, and mountain views that create a sense of space.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Located right across the water from Miami, Key Biscayne is filled with tranquil experiences in nature, delicious dining options with incredible views of the water, and even a little bit of history to explore.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Muluk Spa is relatively compact with serene treatment rooms illuminated by flickering candle-like lights.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This stunning Amalfi Coast boutique hotel overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, and guests can enjoy their complimentary meal on a serene terrace.
    Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Per the title, Aang is the last surviving airbender after his pacifist brethren were slaughtered by a belligerent, expansionist Fire Nation.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 24 July 2026
  • From the other side of the ideological spectrum, anti-Nazis interpreted the tolerant and pacifist spirit of the film as a rebuke to Nazi eugenics and militarism.
    Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • These behaviors make having a productive discussion or peaceable relationship untenable.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
  • With no discernable reason beyond intimidation, Hasner approved this staggering waste of taxpayer funds, stifling the First Amendment right of peaceable assembly.
    Karen J. Leader, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • To kickstart sweet, barrier-supporting dreams, try incorporating a magnesium supplement into your nightly routine, or use a topical form of the mineral, which is thought to promote more restful sleep.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 July 2026
  • With modern interiors and restful room features like teak furnishings, rain showerheads, and luxe robes, the hotel is designed to feel like a getaway.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peaceful. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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