calm 1 of 3

Definition of calmnext
1
2
3

calm

2 of 3

noun

calm

3 of 3

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
Days are spent here snorkeling coral reefs just offshore, kayaking and paddleboarding the calm turquoise waters, and biking around the uncrowded locale that’s the seventh-largest island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026 However, the Bobcats remained calm and leaped out to a five-point lead. Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
But next door, at the Waldorf Astoria, tucked away behind the doors of an upstairs ballroom is an oasis of calm with the relaxed, fun vibe of a family reunion. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026 Part of being a caregiver is to expect the unexpected and to create calm in moments of chaos. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
Benefits of Custom Curtains in Modern Interiors Busy professionals love coming home to a modern space that is calming and closes the quixotic world outside the front door. Gretchen M. Stone, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2026 After a wild few days for curling featuring plenty of verbal jousting and a brief rule change, things have calmed down and both players and officials appear ready to move on with the medal games approaching. Steve Douglas, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • The loafer mule emerged as a quiet breakout this season after a decade-and change of laying dormant, with Bottega Veneta, Victoria Beckham, Calvin Klein, and Celine all incorporating versions of the silhouette on their spring runways.
    Minty Mellon, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026
  • More than 100,000 fans descended on more than 800 hobby shops across 25 countries, turning what used to be a quiet Saturday ritual into something closer to a championship parade.
    Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The neighborhood/area Perched just minutes from Joshua Tree Village and 15 minutes from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, The Bungalows make a serene base for exploring the High Desert.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Built on the former palace estate of the Maharaja Tehri Garhwal, Ananda is spread across 100 acres of lush forests and rolling hills, giving the whole property a serene feel.
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The two governments started working toward a peaceful resolution in the early 1980s, bringing the Anglo-Irish Agreement into effect in 1985.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Feb. 2026
  • There is no legal reason to do that while everything is peaceful, while everything is safeguarded by the agency.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But restfulness dropped—my body noticed the break.
    Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • He is best known for his message of peace, his love of creation and his attention to the poor — teachings that strongly inspired Pope Francis, the only pope to name himself after the saint.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Israel withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula as part of a peace deal with Egypt following the 1973 Mideast war.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Schedule time with a challenging book, as fresh ideas can soothe moods and moderate your protective instincts.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Ginger, in ginger tea, as a spice, or as a supplement, has long been used to soothe the stomach and calm nausea.
    Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Honorable mentions New to the regular concession offerings, the Baja-style fruit cups are a light and refreshing snack containing slices of watermelon, mango, jicama and cucumber and they are garnished with chamoy, lime juice and Tajin.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Water and moisture resistance Wood and water don’t mix well, and any type of flooring that contains wood will be prone to warping, rot and permanent water damage.
    Dan Simms, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For what's essentially the embryonic form of a massive star, L1544 is a remarkably tranquil place.
    Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Schoen, owner of the Paradise River Bend wedding venue and vacation rental property, often visits what was once a pristine retreat across the road from his cabins, surrounded by trees and nestled along the usually tranquil Guadalupe River.
    Abrielle Kate Maddison, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on calm

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!

More from Merriam-Webster