1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of tranquil are calm, peaceful, placid, and serene. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

When is it sensible to use calm instead of tranquil?

In some situations, the words calm and tranquil are roughly equivalent. 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 could peaceful be used to replace tranquil?

The synonyms peaceful and tranquil are sometimes interchangeable, but peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When can placid be used instead of tranquil?

The meanings of placid and tranquil largely overlap; however, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is serene a more appropriate choice than tranquil?

The words serene and tranquil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

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 tranquil Lush forests give way to magnificent mountains and tranquil enclaves. Holly Yan, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025 For a touch of tranquil nature in a small kitchen, Sherwin-Williams Jogging Path offers both warmth and a tiny hint of green. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025 On the evening of July 10, dozens of friends and family members gathered at the spot in the tranquil Cincinnati suburb where Jaymir was found after the shooting. Gillian Stawiszynski, The Enquirer, 10 July 2025 Working with residential and commercial clients, Hino Studio devises spaces that feel airy and modern, incorporating tranquil color palettes, lush textures, and natural materials. Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • This development marks a notable change in what has so far been a quiet peak period of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Bauhaus In Weimar Origins Weimar is quiet, deliberate.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile the interiors feature a serene color palette, premium materials, and panoramic windows that invite natural light and breathtaking views.
    Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Located on the state’s southeastern coast, just 30 minutes north of glitzy West Palm Beach, Jupiter enjoys a slower, more serene pace that’s perfect for lazy days of relaxing with a view of the water.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • John Mariani Inside the walls the Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi is a peaceful square whose surrounding buildings with their green shutters echo the various architectural styles of the city’s history.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Police watched the Capitol lawn from atop a nearby parking garage, but the event was peaceful.
    Paul Egan, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Though many visitors to Scotland seek out hiking and walking trails far from the buzzing big cities, in fact, Glasgow and Edinburgh are replete with placid and picturesque green spaces.
    Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Daedone briefly looked stricken, but, even so, a placid smile remained on her face.
    Thessaly La Force, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Charlie would have called for calm heads and careful strategy.
    Ayaan Hirsi Ali, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The great hope of the Gulf Arabs is that Trump understands this and finally pressures Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire agreement, returning the region to something approaching calm.
    Monica Marks, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Many others compared the hushed dessert request to another viral moment where Biggy Norris of the Norris Nuts quietly asked for a caramel slice after surgery.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Did someone mention Ha’s Snack Bar in a hushed tone?
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Burrow even includes two down alternative pillows to set up your couch surfers for a restful night’s sleep).
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Minimize alcohol ahead of your bedtime to promote a more restful sleep.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The second thing that makes an impression is how composed Sartori is—remarkably Zen even—mere hours before a major show.
    Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The vocabulary being used by Qatar’s prime minister is strong, evocative and damning, a departure from his usual composed response to the incessant twists and turns of trying to end the 23-month war in Gaza.
    Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tranquil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!