1
2
3
4
5

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 Additionally, the plan said Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence would be given amnesty to remain in Gaza or they would be granted safe passage to receiving countries. Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 29 Sep. 2025 The goal is to provide a peaceful happy fulfilling life for them. Kelsey Lentz, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025 These are not peaceful protests. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025 The historic drive stretches from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, offering a quiet, peaceful journey with deep roots in American history. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peaceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peaceful
Adjective
  • The News & Observer reported that the task force made recommendations on, among other things, implementing cashless bail for nonviolent misdemeanors and keeping pregnant women safe in prisons.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The Fresh Start Act of 2022 proposed expunging certain nonviolent federal offenses, while the Weldon Angelos Act sought expungement for pardoned convictions.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In certain corners of the Internet, people have spent the past year picking apart the Swedish influencer turned fashion mogul’s $200 cardigans, her quiet-luxury aesthetic, her linen-and-curtain-bangs image, and—oh yes—those toilet-cleaning allegations.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The potential series will center on Violet Sorrengail, whose plans for a quiet life are upended when her mother, a military general, orders her to join the brutal Basgiath War College and become one of several hundred candidates vying to become dragon riders.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Manta Resort boasts private beach access and a restaurant overlooking the water's edge, while the Limni resort, with just 11 rooms and a tranquil central pool, offers a more personalized experience.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The serenity of this secluded Côte d’Azur retreat provides a tranquil foil for The White Lotus’ explosive drama.
    Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The 47-suite interior has a serene, minimalist ambiance inspired by traditional ryokan architecture, with clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and large balconies in each stateroom.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025
  • In videos shared to the meteor society and to local TV outlets, the satellite’s breakup appeared dramatic but serene, moving slowly across the sky and trailing glowing fragments for several seconds.
    Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • My late grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, served in the pacific campaign.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, as believing Christians, Jews, or Muslims know, the founders and leaders of these major world religions advocate understanding of others, empathy for their suffering, and the pursuit of peaceable relations with all.
    Howard Steele, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Such was the peaceable dreaming, the end-of-history thinking, in the wake of the Twelve-Day War.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Teens are taking notice, and some might be considering turning to the supplement for more restful sleep, less anxiety, and better gut health.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 22 Sep. 2025
  • According to online reviews, however, a restful night was not always a common experience at the American Motel.
    John Aguilar, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The latter were sometimes embroidered on his signature woolen cardigans and shawls bearing stylized versions of placid landscapes, bandana patterns or geometric motifs.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The main house is every bit the grand country residence, with vast reception rooms, an orangery overlooking the placid waters of Lower Lough Erne, and a kitchen that’s equal parts stately and practical.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peaceful. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on peaceful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!