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calm

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noun

calm

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verb

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a calm demeanor
a cool demeanor
a placid demeanor
a tranquil demeanor
a peaceful demeanor
a relaxed demeanor
calm determination
quiet determination
cool determination
stoic determination
placid determination
tranquil determination
calm dignity
quiet dignity
serene dignity
tranquil dignity
placid dignity
gentle dignity
calm wind
gentle wind
soft wind
mild wind
light wind

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
The more noble response, however, is to stand up and confront one’s attacker head on, acting with firmness, calm and clarity. John T. Shaw, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025 The pace is calm, the homes are elegant, and nature never feels far. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2025
Noun
Unlike the more bustling Great Barrington, Williamstown trades crowds for calm, without sacrificing culture. Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 For more than 20 years, neuroscientists have been documenting how mindfulness meditation can help people cultivate calm and improve their mood, among other benefits. Mariah G. Schug, Scientific American, 27 June 2025
Verb
No matter what happens, USC’s next president will have a serious financial crisis to solve, a furious faculty to calm and a tense political climate to navigate. Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025 Her youngest has trouble regulating his emotions, and Williams said the class gave her techniques, like breathing exercises, to help the boy calm down. Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • Pulse Picks Yes, the MLB trade deadline could be quiet … but there are some big names that could move, too.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • Once a quiet fishing village, Nazaré, Portugal, is home to some of the world's largest rideable waves, reaching up to 100 feet.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Finally, the third gallery room attempts to project a cooler, more verdant future with walls colored a serene green hue.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
  • In between, are patio tables with umbrellas and other shady spots to sit for a while and take in the serene surroundings.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Carlos Montes, a longtime leader with Centro CSO, said the organization’s events, including protests, have always been peaceful and organized.
    Victoria Elena Valenzuela, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • An excellent way to unwind from daily stressors, stargazing can serve as a peaceful, mindfulness practice.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Despite violating the peace attempts in March and April, the United States did not respond to its ultimatums issued to Russia.
    Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Thank you for the willingness to support Ukraine and to continue working together to stop the killings and establish a lasting and just peace.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • One 2013 study found that the sound of waves relaxed people more than soothing music, so perhaps that is what’s having an effect.
    Daisy Jones, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Bathed in soothing grey tones, the 190 guest rooms and suites are configured with an open layout and oversized ceiling-to-floor windows.
    Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • When a reporter asked Attorney General Pam Bondi about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation on Tuesday, President Donald Trump could not contain himself a moment longer.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • But complexity theorists suspect that PSPACE is a much larger class, containing many problems that aren’t in P.
    Ben Brubaker, Wired News, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • You and your date are nestled on Mozart's expansive deck, with a signature coffee in hand, watching this spectacular show unfold over the tranquil waters of Lake Austin.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • The tranquil spa on the property’s lower level feels like a hidden oasis, with a sleek and contemporary pool that is, in fact, the only indoor swimming pool in inner Copenhagen.
    Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Despite suffering from a severe injury at 13,800 feet, the climber remained responsive and composed.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
  • Then take the time to analyze the situation before delivering a thoughtful and composed response.
    Christopher Fairbank, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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