peaceful

adjective

peace·​ful ˈpēs-fəl How to pronounce peaceful (audio)
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 fashionF. 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 adverb
peacefulness noun
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
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.
Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful, and U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Tehran is not actively pursuing a bomb. Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 26 June 2025 My students said these are small, unexpected spots that provide an excellent opportunity for a quiet, peaceful break, to be present, whether enjoyed alone or with a friend. Eric Zillmer, The Conversation, 25 June 2025 Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful. Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 Whether snorkeling around historic shipwrecks or camping on a quiet, remote island, Biscayne National Park offers a peaceful, refreshing change from the other Florida destinations. Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for peaceful

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of peaceful was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peaceful. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

peaceful

adjective
peace·​ful ˈpēs-fəl How to pronounce peaceful (audio)
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 adverb
peacefulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on peaceful

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