PEACEFULLER Synonyms: 235 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

peaceful

adjective

ˈpēs-fəl

Definition of peaceful

as in pacific

inclined to live in peace and to avoid war a peaceful tribe that had quietly inhabited these shores for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nonviolent

not involving violence or force UN officials struggled to find a peaceful solution to the troublesome conflict

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in quiet

free from disturbing noise or uproar a peaceful house, now that the kids are all grown and departed

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tranquil

free from storms or physical disturbance a peaceful lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in serene

free from emotional or mental agitation the patient is peaceful and resting comfortably

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The staff will also be able to direct you to a more peaceful place in the lounge. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 16 July 2026 At the same time, peaceful political speech, religious expression, and lawful protest must not be treated as terrorism. — Stephen V. Iacullo, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2026 Iran has not publicly made any concessions while reiterating its longstanding position that its program is peaceful. — Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2026 The otherwise peaceful father of three first stole the ball from the Brazilians. — Geir Jordet, New York Times, 15 July 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

Definition of pacific

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

Definition of nonviolent

Adjective

And waterfront towns like North Bay Village and Bay Harbor Islands that were once known as quiet working-class suburbs are getting facelifts with new ultra-luxury condo buildings.

— Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Instead, the young man who lived with his partner and daughter was described by neighbors as quiet and reserved.

— Maria Santana, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of quiet

Adjective

Bedrooms are tranquil and restorative, with clean lines, balconies, and mountain views that create a sense of space.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
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

Definition of tranquil

Adjective

Top 5 Can’t Miss Unwind after a day of hiking at the Posthotel in Leavenworth, an adults-only retreat known for its serene spa experience.

— Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
For all its medical precision, Mayrlife is a serene and comforting place to stay.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026

Definition of serene

Adjective

From the other side of the ideological spectrum, anti-Nazis interpreted the tolerant and pacifist spirit of the film as a rebuke to Nazi eugenics and militarism.

— Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026
His ideas are later used to discourage violently spearing food with a knife, and instead promote the pacifist chopstick.

— New York Times, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of pacifist

Adjective

These behaviors make having a productive discussion or peaceable relationship untenable.

— R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
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

Definition of peaceable

Adjective

After a recent resort-wide refresh, redesigned guest rooms and suites ooze with coastal charm and serve as restful spaces after busy days by the water.

— Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 18 July 2026
Higher levels of both hormones promote restful sleep and reduce frequent nighttime awakenings when levels fall, other symptoms like night sweats appear and further disrupt rest.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026

Definition of restful

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“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peaceful. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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