placid

adjective

plac·​id ˈpla-səd 

: serenely free of interruption or disturbance

placid skies

a placid disposition

also : complacent sense 1b

placidity

pla-ˈsi-də-tē 

plə-

noun

placidly

ˈpla-səd-lē 

adverb

placidness noun

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What is the Difference Between placid, calm, tranquil, and serene?

Like placid, the words calm, tranquil, and serene all mean "quiet and free from disturbance." Calm conveys a quiet composure that contrasts with surrounding chaos, while tranquil suggests a very deep quietude and peace. Serene is loftier still, carrying a sense of utter peace and happiness. Though placid traces back to Latin placēre, meaning "to please," it isn't always as positive a term as its synonyms. It can imply a lack of agitation rather than a true peace, and it sometimes suggests excessive self-satisfaction or even stupidity.

Synonyms of placid

• serene
• calm
• peaceful
• composed
• tranquil

Choose the Right Synonym for placid

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 placid in a Sentence

a person with a sunny, placid disposition

the placid surface of the lake

Recent Examples on the Web

Since 2017, Dulgarian has grown TAGABOW from its placid, solo origins into one of the decade’s most influential and inventive shoegaze bands; the proof is in Lotto, their bold and relentless breakout LP from last year. — Abby Jones, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026

But inside the tiny shop at the western end of Atlantic Avenue, just steps from an on-ramp for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, things are placid and drama-free. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026

Things are more placid now—in 1929, the estate became Longshore Beach and Country Club, which was acquired by the town of Westport in 1960. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

In that, the vinyl panel turns the 18th-century style on its head, becoming a subversive counterweight to its typically placid, pastoral energy. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin placidus, from placēre to please — more at please

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for placid

• acid
• antacid

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Kids Definition

placid

adjective

plac·​id ˈplas-əd 

: peacefully free of interruption or disturbance : peaceful, calm

a placid disposition

placidity

pla-ˈsid-ət-ē 

plə-

noun

placidly

ˈplas-əd-lē 

adverb