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 Allora offers three-, four- and five-course tasting menus ($99-$159) in its serene dining room. Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026 To encompass the story, about a miracle from 847, when Pope Leo IV stopped a fire with a blessing, Raphael brings you into the fresco through the unshod feet of a woman in agony and leaves you near the very back, with a tiny and serene Leo IV. Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 These secret spots provide a serene respite from the bustle of the main street and feel almost like stepping through a portal into the vias of Paris or Rome. Linnea Bailey, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026 Their unexpected connection propels them on a road trip to San Francisco… As the landscapes shift from the bustling city to serene coastal towns, their relationship deepens, revealing vulnerabilities, regrets and dreams. Kennedy French, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • As the Moon moves through your 12th House of Solitude, quiet preparation sharpens your thinking.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Despite a quiet start on radar, the weather is expected to turn more active later in the day.
    Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Lead with calm confidence, but keep your claims grounded.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
  • His elite pass protection and calm feet mean he can be trusted immediately to keep the quarterback clean on passing downs, while also providing a high-effort presence on special teams.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • My 90-minute Inner Calm massage in a treatment room with rainforest views was restorative and tranquil, while morning hikes on Ladera’s cliffside trails further enhanced the distinctive sense of place and vantage point of the resort.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Turning onto shady Little Road felt instantly tranquil.
    Christopher Spata, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Located in the Tuscan countryside 30 minutes from Florence, the property offers plenty of space and a peaceful escape with easy access to a wealth of museums, galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.
    Jessica Puckett, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Others talk about a kind of quiet that does not feel peaceful.
    Ana Jarzin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • McIlroy overcame some early inconsistency to put together a composed round, while Burns leaned on excellent ball-striking to match him at the top.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Before Tuesday night, Konate had looked much more composed and commanding.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The name hums with nostalgia, and includes a placid nod to those coal-mining towns where people were paid in company scrip.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
  • For almost 60 years, this was one of the city's least inviting landmarks, with increasingly stringent security deterring even the most placid of curious onlookers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Pair it with a linen closet reorganization, and the bedroom becomes a genuinely restful space again.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The Deep Sleep Superblend of lavender, chamomile and vetivert relieves stress, supporting relaxation and promoting restful sleep.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Start with a high-quality anchor piece, then layer in vintage accents that make the patio feel collected and personal.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The robot will vacuum oil from the water’s surface, return to its base station to discharge the collected oil, and then redeploy to the spill site.
    Ben Coxworth March 10, New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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