peace

1 of 2

noun

1
: a state of tranquility or quiet: such as
a
: freedom from civil disturbance
Peace and order were finally restored in the town.
b
: a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom
was arrested for a breach of the peace = was arrested for disturbing the peace [=for behaving in a loud or violent way in a public place]
c
: freedom from being disturbed or bothered by people, noise, etc.
went outside for a few moments of peace
Why won't they leave him in peace?
enjoyed the peace and quiet of the library
2
: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
Spending more time in nature has helped me achieve inner peace.
I have been in perfect peace and contentment …J. H. Newman
Insurance can provide you with peace of mind.
May our dearly departed friend rest in peace.
3
: harmony in personal relations
There will be no peace in this house until one of them apologizes.
She wanted to make her peace [=end an argument or disagreement] with her father before he died.
… many eschewed political talk in favor of keeping the peace between friends and neighbors.Jordyn Hermani
4
a
: a state or period of mutual concord between governments
There was a peace of 50 years before war broke out again.
b
: a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity
… few believe a negotiated peace is imminent.Jason Horowitz
often used before another noun
a peace agreement/accord/treaty
a peace initiative/conference
The two sides have held no substantive peace talks in more than a decade.Joseph Krauss
5
used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell

peace

2 of 2

verb

peaced; peacing; peaces

intransitive verb

obsolete
: to be, become, or keep silent or quiet
Phrases
at peace
: in a state of harmony or tranquility
The problem was settled and his mind was at peace.
She's at peace with their decision.
The sisters are at peace with each other.

Examples of peace in a Sentence

Noun After many years of war, people on both sides were longing for peace. We said a prayer for world peace. He tried to negotiate a peace between the warring countries. There was a peace of 50 years before war broke out again. Peace and order were finally restored in the town. After years of therapy, he has finally achieved an inner peace. He is searching for inner peace. Insurance can provide you with peace of mind. The problem was settled and his mind was at peace. They are at peace with each other.
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.
Noun
Advertisement For the sake of justice, regional peace, and human dignity. Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025 Opening in spring 2026, the exhibition will feature works that invite visitors to engage directly, transforming everyday actions into powerful expressions of peace and connection. Robert Lang, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025 About 60,000 troops were deployed to enforce the peace, separate armies and support reconstruction. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025 The scene feels routine, set by a regular who prefers a late-afternoon arrival to enjoy the peace of a restaurant resetting itself between prime mealtimes. David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peace

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English pees, from Anglo-French pes, pees, from Latin pac-, pax; akin to Latin pacisci to agree — more at pact

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peace was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peace. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

peace

noun
ˈpēs
1
: a state of quiet
especially : freedom from public disturbance or war
2
: freedom from upsetting thoughts or feelings
3
: harmony in personal relations
4
a
: a state or period of peace between governments
b
: an agreement to end a war
Etymology

Noun

Middle English pees "peace," from early French pes, pees (same meaning), from Latin pac-, pax "peace" — related to appease, pacify

Legal Definition

peace

noun
: a state of tranquility or quiet: as
a
: a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom
keeping the peace
b
: freedom from civil disturbance

Geographical Definition

Peace

geographical name

river 1195 miles (1923 kilometers) long in western Canada flowing east and northeast in northern British Columbia and northern Alberta into the Slave River see finlay

More from Merriam-Webster on peace

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