tranquil

adjective

tran·​quil ˈtraŋ-kwəl 

ˈtran-

1

a

: free from agitation of mind or spirit

a tranquil self-assurance

b

: free from disturbance or turmoil

a tranquil scene

2

: unvarying in aspect : steady, stable

tranquilly

ˈtraŋ-kwə-lē 

ˈtran-

adverb

tranquilness noun

Synonyms

• quiet
• peaceful
• serene
• placid
• restful

Choose the Right Synonym for tranquil

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 tranquil in a Sentence

the house was once again tranquil after the kids moved outside to play

though she should have been upset, she felt oddly tranquil upon learning that she would not be receiving the scholarship

Recent Examples on the Web

Buyers are moving away from light and airy tones, favoring deeper hues that feel modern, tranquil, and organic. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 17 June 2025

Mercedes uses rich wood trim, white Nappa leather, white silk, and polished aluminum to create an atmosphere that's both tranquil and glamorous. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025

This is the first time since 1965—that supposedly tranquil year—that a president called out the National Guard without approval of the governor. —Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 13 June 2025

That project, a tranquil composition of terracotta, concrete, and terrazzo wrapped in a façade that nods to Saint Laurent’s textile heritage, won Wallpaper’s Best New Public Building in 2018. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tranquill, from Latin tranquillus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

tranquil

adjective

tran·​quil ˈtraŋ-kwəl 

ˈtran-

: free from disturbance or turmoil : quiet

tranquilly

-kwə-lē 

adverb