Definition of serenenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word serene different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of serene are calm, peaceful, placid, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When could calm be used to replace serene?

The meanings of calm and serene largely overlap; however, calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

When is peaceful a more appropriate choice than serene?

While the synonyms peaceful and serene are close in meaning, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When would placid be a good substitute for serene?

Although the words placid and serene have much in common, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is it sensible to use tranquil instead of serene?

The words tranquil and serene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of serene Treatments include massages, facials, aromatherapy, and flotation therapies, all performed in serene limestone chambers warmed by radiant heated floors. Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2026 The main house, a serene succession of rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, will resemble a wellness resort. Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 Of course, the reality of life inside the serene apartment looks a little different from the photographs. Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026 This Earth sign is grounded, serene and deeply invested in its creature comforts, making this a supportive transit for slowing down, simplifying your priorities and reconnecting with what feels steady and reliable. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • Prosecutors also alleged King fathered a child through an extra-marital affair and threatened the child’s mother to keep quiet.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • But he is viewed by Labour supporters as a more effective, optimistic and plain-speaking communicator than Starmer, who's quiet, lawyerly manner has consistently failed to connect with the public's national mood.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • To alleviate some of the security concerns in metropolitan areas and calm citizens' fears, the United States housed prisoners in military installations and federal facilities throughout the South and Southwest.
    Helaine Williams, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026
  • Clark seized on a more gentle course — slightly calmer and still soft with receptive greens — by pulling away late to reach six-under-par through 16 holes.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Lucy is very isolated in this superficially tranquil domestic setting, separated from friends, far from her mother, dependent on Philip, and not even entirely fluent in German.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
  • The Orangery, one of nearly a dozen gardens, provides an exotic and tranquil refuge to recovery from the adrenaline.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • By Sunday afternoon, the park was peaceful, with some residents setting up a Father's Day lunch while men nearby were playing cards.
    Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 21 June 2026
  • The view is extraordinary, but the experience is far from peaceful in peak season.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • While uniform cubes are suited for an elegant, composed presentation, torn croutons are a humble upgrade for nearly everything else where a little contrast is welcome.
    Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026
  • In contrast, composed framing of his loyal squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), underlines a different emotion.
    Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Upstate, all the drippy humidity and congested traffic of the city dissolves into a placid breeze.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
  • Tuesday night was a much more placid affair, with just twelve runs scored on 18 hits, but of those 18 hits, six were home runs.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a separate study, chronic daily users spent significantly more time awake during the night and got less restful sleep compared with nonusers; another study found that using cannabis close to bedtime had similar effects.
    Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
  • Thankfully, my first night in Appalachia consisted only of a restful sleep.
    Hillary Richard, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • That changed in 2018, when the Council passed Helen Rosenthal’s bill encouraging New Yorkers to report idling violations by requiring the city to publicize the process and pay them 25% of any collected fines for their efforts.
    Chris Hartmann, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026
  • There is a music room with an upright piano, wind-up gramophone and the collected lyrics of Bob Dylan—a perfect touch for the pop star.
    Ruchira Sharma, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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