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calm

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noun

calm

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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of calm are peaceful, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words 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

When is peaceful a more appropriate choice than calm?

In some situations, the words peaceful and calm are roughly equivalent. However, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When might placid be a better fit than calm?

The words placid and calm can be used in similar contexts, but placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When would serene be a good substitute for calm?

Although the words serene and calm have much in common, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of calm?

The synonyms tranquil and calm are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 calm
Adjective
Remington stayed cool, calm and collected during the performance. Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025 Heart rate decreases during stretching, which could signify the body entering a calm state. Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
Amid hurricane-force winds and a fast-moving fire, Suter's calm in the storm conveyed the scale of the threat, the firefighting challenges, and the dangerously shifting perimeter. ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025 Completing each task gives your brain a small reward, reinforcing calm and focus when the kitchen gets hectic. Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
Known for its fragrant purple blooms, lavender is a popular perennial herb that is beloved for its calming scent and beauty. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2025 Cincinnati took calls on Hendrickson before the year began and was looking for a first-round pick before eventually calming things down by upping the edge-rusher's 2025 salary to $29 million. Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • The Chicago Bears were relatively quiet ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Hotel Fasano São Paulo Itaim Consistently top-notch, from the beds to the dining, Hotel Fasano exudes quiet luxury.
    Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Each of the 119 rooms is spacious and serene, outfitted with deep soaking tubs, Hästens beds, and balconies that open to crisp mountain air.
    Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The property itself packs in a small kitchen and living area with a wood-burning stove, plus a serene bedroom and laundry room upstairs.
    Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But, even with this major shortcoming, my home still felt much cleaner, smelled fresher, and honestly felt even a tad bit more peaceful at the end of the day.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The footage introduces viewers to Sidney's peaceful new life with her husband (Joel McHale) and daughter (Isabel May), which is interrupted when she is once again targeted by a new killer wearing the Ghostface mask.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As New Yorkers showed today, Americans – especially young people and communities of color – are demanding leaders with vision who stand with the oppressed, not the powerful; who build peace and prosperity instead of profit from war and division.
    Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • There will be a full moon in your sign, bringing personal revelations that could clash with your desire to keep the peace.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Why not start things off by repainting the living room—there are many shades that designers absolutely love for their soothing factor.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Entering a bedroom that’s painted a light blue color feels soothing and relaxing; a bathroom that’s a soft shade of green is pleasant to bathe in.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • After the players strolled onto the field through an opening in center field, rapper Ice Cube, a huge Dodger fan, drove a vintage blue Chevy convertible containing the World Series trophy.
    Steve Futterman, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025
  • One officer allegedly found garbage bags inside a large freezer that were later determined to contain the remains of a female, the station reported.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • From a kitchen inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design to a colorful yet tranquil Victorian bathroom, Drift Interiors + Architecture can bring any style to life.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Long, flowing lines and a neutral palette create calm, tranquil vibes throughout, while expansive windows invite light in and offer views out.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Senne Lammens continuing his composed start to his United career could at least counteract those types of chances for Brighton, while Amorim’s defenders will need to be astute to the movement of Hurzeler’s front-line.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Only on particularly bumpy tarmac did the GTS-spec suspension become too jarring with the adaptive dampers stiffened up in sport mode, but switching them to normal offered the best of both worlds—excellent, composed body control and tuning that ironed out imperfections remarkably well.
    Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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