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

That effort looked likely to succeed—until indigenous Maya communities organized peaceful demonstrations that lasted 106 days and drew the participation of nearly 2 million Guatemalans. — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026

With local cops, plagued by rumors of departmental misdeeds, looking for a peaceful solution and federal authorities contemplating extreme action, the situation escalates. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026

Outside, rock gardens and the soothing sounds of nature set the tone for peaceful exploration. — Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026

The report provides the most complete account to date of the attacks that gangs recently launched on the once peaceful farming community of Kenscoff near Port-au-Prince, with at least 164 people killed, more than 70 kidnapped and dozens missing. — ABC News, 17 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