peaceful

adjective

peace·​ful ˈpēs-fəl 

1

: peaceable sense 1

They are a peaceful people.

2

: untroubled by conflict, agitation, or commotion : quiet, tranquil

… the feeling … that we as neighbors could settle any disputes in peaceful fashion.

—Franklin D. Roosevelt

3

: of or relating to a state or time of peace

… the feasibility of creating a peaceful world order.

—Alan Tonelson

4

: devoid of violence or force

The opposing groups used peaceful tactics.

peacefully

ˈpēs-fə-lē 

adverb

peacefulness noun

Synonyms of peaceful

• pacific
• pacifist
• peaceable
• neutral

Choose the Right Synonym for peaceful

calm, tranquil, serene, placid, peaceful mean quiet and free from disturbance.

calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

Examples of peaceful in a Sentence

The park is so peaceful and quiet.

They settled the conflict by peaceful means.

We need to find a peaceful alternative to war.

Recent Examples on the Web

Other than the occasional barks from her dog, who doesn’t appreciate being locked away for guests, the witch’s home is peaceful and a far cry from the dank, dark cottages often found in folklore. — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

By keeping the prospect of peaceful reunification alive, the core concerns of all three parties can be accommodated as much as possible. — Da Wei, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2026

Frederick neighbors recall what happened Friday night The Taskers Chance neighborhood was quiet and peaceful Monday -- a stark difference to what neighbors saw Friday night. — Dennis Valera, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026

Only Ann Patchett could write such a pleasant, amiable novel about death, and only a horse could serve as her essential metaphor for peaceful salvation. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

peaceful

adjective

peace·​ful ˈpēs-fəl 

1

: enjoying peace and quiet

a peaceful people

2

: quiet entry 2 sense 1c, tranquil

a peaceful countryside

especially : not at war

3

: not involving violence or force

settled the conflict by peaceful means

peacefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

peacefulness noun