Definition of peacefulnext
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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of peaceful are calm, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

In what contexts can calm take the place of peaceful?

The synonyms calm and peaceful are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could placid be used to replace peaceful?

In some situations, the words placid and peaceful are roughly equivalent. However, 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 peaceful?

The words serene and peaceful can be used in similar contexts, but serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of peaceful?

Although the words tranquil and peaceful have much in common, 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 peaceful Morro Bay is usually calm and the electric motor keeps the ride peaceful. David Hochman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 At a peaceful Pleasanton park, Xiaofang Chen and her husband, Chih-Ching Hu, trained for a marathon and discussed their future after losing their son to suicide. Sharon Chin, CBS News, 25 June 2026 The Tartan Army, as they are called, waged an unprecedented peaceful takeover of Miami leading up to tonight’s game. Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026 The cathedral, its peaceful cloister, and its ornate crypt are also worth a visit. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for peaceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peaceful
Adjective
  • Olivier tried successfully to get the reader to understand how a gentle, pacific young man could come to kill more than a thousand people, and so capturing the tone and empathetic portrayal not only of Simo Häyhä and his colleagues but also of the often-bewildered Russian soldiers was essential.
    Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Courtesy: Apple Apple on Tuesday sent invites to the media and analysts for a launch event at its campus on September 9 at 10 A.M pacific time.
    Kif Leswing, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • At the same time, federal sentencing policy has increasingly recognized that rehabilitation should remain an important objective, particularly for first time, nonviolent offenders who present little risk of future criminal conduct.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi led the Salt March, a nonviolent protest against the tax, which had become a symbol of colonial oppression.
    Zehra Jumabhoy, Artforum, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • What was once a quiet corner of the terminal – your reward for loyalty or a hefty annual fee – has turned into a cafeteria for the masses.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Rather than succumb to the misery of its subject matter, Union County is about the quiet, tedious, and remarkable work that is getting and staying sober — the final product a testament to all that can be achieved.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Located right across the water from Miami, Key Biscayne is filled with tranquil experiences in nature, delicious dining options with incredible views of the water, and even a little bit of history to explore.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
  • The tranquil beauty of Virginia’s river life unfolds like a folk melody at this waterfront inn located on a private peninsula.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • The project was set for Brownie Wise Park in Kissimmee, a serene 25-acre area purchased and conserved by the county for over a decade and popular for its walking trails.
    Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026
  • Completed in 1968 atop a steep hillside in Corte Madera, about 15 miles north of San Francisco, the cantilevered residence is equal parts bold architectural experiment and serene woodland sanctuary.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • One consequence of the ensuing wars was the emergence of a new, anti-sectarian, pacifist element in Dutch religious life.
    Clare Bucknell, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • Pumphrey's circumstances may have led him away from his pacifist roots, White says.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • With no discernable reason beyond intimidation, Hasner approved this staggering waste of taxpayer funds, stifling the First Amendment right of peaceable assembly.
    Karen J. Leader, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Military experts and Iran scholars say that airstrikes alone are unlikely to transform the Islamic republic into a peaceable, democratic country.
    Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In a separate study, chronic daily users spent significantly more time awake during the night and got less restful sleep compared with nonusers; another study found that using cannabis close to bedtime had similar effects.
    Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
  • Thankfully, my first night in Appalachia consisted only of a restful sleep.
    Hillary Richard, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peaceful. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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