calm 1 of 3

Definition of calmnext
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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
Taurus April 20 – May 20 Progress comes from calm, careful choices. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026 April 20 – May 20 Progress comes from calm, careful choices. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
Still, not everyone is convinced the calm in the markets will last. Yun Li, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026 Dean Blunt-like guitar strums establish calm before the storm, which arrives with a waltzing rhythm suitable for a first dance. Benny Sun, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
Gentle movement paired with slow, intentional breathing helps calm your nervous system and ease your spine back into movement. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026 Plus, the soothing licorice root extract helps calm everything down, making this an ideal pick for anyone who wants to combat discoloration without compromising hydration. Deanna Pai, Allure, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • Below are five actions that may seem quiet but can significantly increase your chances of promotion in the first quarter, along with how to put them into practice.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The cold, quiet pattern continues Tuesday in Minnesota.
    Joseph Dames, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Honda says that altogether, these enhancements reduce interior noise by two or three decibels, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but the result is indeed a serene ride.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year is 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a serene off-white that’s meant to promote relaxation and creativity.
    Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Amid persisting violence from criminal groups in a country long considered a peaceful tourist hub, polling reveals that Costa Ricans are most concerned about security this year.
    Djenane Villanueva, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
  • After a peaceful march to the Georgia State Capitol that swelled into the hundreds, protestors returned to the area around the Centennial Olympic Park and CNN Center, where some confronted police, who sprayed some demonstrators with pepper spray.
    Ernie Suggs, AJC.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But restfulness dropped—my body noticed the break.
    Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The attack Sunday came a few hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a new round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia had been postponed.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • At the park Friday, Hernandez spoke about her efforts to help address the problems, flooding the area with mobile home response teams, ex-gang members who try to de-escalate gang violence, otherwise known as peace ambassadors.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This formula contains niacinamide to help support hair and skin health, ashwagandha extract to soothe, and biotin to help strengthen hair and prevent breakage.
    Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The poems and practical suggestions soothed my spirit.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Emerging from the Working group, Penny beat out 2,499 other canines spread across seven different groups containing 204 total breeds to win the coveted prize.
    Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The polar vortex is a persistent, large-scale cyclone that circles the Arctic and contains extremely cold air.
    Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • While the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks have been relatively tranquil this winter, the Los Angeles Dodgers added to their embarrassment of riches by signing four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and three-time All-Star closer Edwin Díaz.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • In the same way, the entire gallery space invites us into the thoughtful and tranquil world of Alfredo Castañeda.
    Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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