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

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

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
These strengths rely on a mind that is calm, adaptable and fully online, not one that is hijacked and overwhelmed by cognitive overload. Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2026 Over the years the acclaimed filmmaker has immersed himself in different worlds—Scientology, swinging, the Westboro Baptist Church, and survivalists in rural America—always with his signature calm curiosity. Fleurine Tideman, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
For abiding calm and a belief in the future, there are drop-ins with veteran teacher Titti — the movie’s most endearing figure — who runs an after-school tutoring center for local schoolchildren. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026 Smart decision-making during stressful moments is not about staying calm all the time. Fazila Shahid, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
Multiple people compared the snakes to weighted blankets, providing a firm, calming pressure. Deena Prichep, NPR, 11 Mar. 2026 But the move did little to calm energy markets, as shipments through the Strait of Hormuz remain effectively frozen. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • The terrain is demanding, but the setting—expansive views, shifting light, and quiet trails—creates a rhythm that carries through the rest of the day.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The Omni dock was relatively quiet when self-emptying and automatically dispensed cleaning solution, which was convenient.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Kogane opened in an Alhambra strip mall in late 2021, the two of them stationed on opposite sides of a serene bar.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Sprinkling in patterns like dainty florals or serene colorways like marigold can give you a sense of grounding.
    Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Things were relatively peaceful until my remarriage, which sent my ex over the edge.
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Even in this usually peaceful beach town, where Republicans significantly outnumber Democrats, some have had enough.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But restfulness dropped—my body noticed the break.
    Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The pontiff did not mention any country or national leader in his comments, instead only asking for peace and the end to innocent people dying, according to reports.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The attacks have, however, complicated peace efforts in the region where mass graves were recently found.
    OPE ADETAYO, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Investors appeared soothed by the software firm’s across-the-board beat, amid fears about the company’s hefty debt load funding its AI buildout.
    Nur Hikmah Md Ali, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Your 7th House of Coalitions is soothed by the moody Moon’s trine with apprehensive Chiron in your companionable 11th house.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Oncor Electric is requesting that the Fort Worth City Council approve the rezoning of a southeast Fort Worth lot containing a power substation that the utility company intends to expand and renovate, documents say.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The religious article, called a kirpan, cannot be longer than 10 inches and must be contained in a sheath to wear in City Hall, according to the ordinance.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That earlier film, a languid, unsettling thriller, focused on its protagonist’s emotional breakdown during a supposedly tranquil Mediterranean vacation.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Mayreau Beach Club & Villas stands head and shoulders above the rest as an upscale hideaway perched on a blissfully tranquil bay.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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