Definition of placidnext
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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of placid are calm, peaceful, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is it sensible to use calm instead of placid?

The synonyms calm and placid 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

In what contexts can peaceful take the place of placid?

The meanings of peaceful and placid largely overlap; however, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When is serene a more appropriate choice than placid?

While the synonyms serene and placid are close in meaning, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of placid?

While in some cases nearly identical to placid, 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 placid The name hums with nostalgia, and includes a placid nod to those coal-mining towns where people were paid in company scrip. Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026 For almost 60 years, this was one of the city's least inviting landmarks, with increasingly stringent security deterring even the most placid of curious onlookers. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 The simulations suggest that, if the disk was turbulent instead of placid, parts of it could cool so quickly that the resulting chemistry wouldn’t be in equilibrium at all. Javier Barbuzano, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026 The Chinese duo’s voices pirouette around a pulse that sounds like a car door chime as abortive crashes puncture the otherwise placid, kickless ambience. James Gui, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for placid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
Adjective
  • The top floor isn’t just an event space with a panoramic view; Tsien describes it as a serene, almost spiritual space.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 June 2026
  • Blue-toned light may look serene.
    Allison Palmer Updated June 4, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Lucy is very isolated in this superficially tranquil domestic setting, separated from friends, far from her mother, dependent on Philip, and not even entirely fluent in German.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
  • The Orangery, one of nearly a dozen gardens, provides an exotic and tranquil refuge to recovery from the adrenaline.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This is quiet luxury in hotel form.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • And yet art-world institutions—including major museums, schools, commercial galleries, and publishing outlets—have mostly avoided the fawning capitulation of universities and Democrats, simply going quiet in the hope of escaping notice for the next three years.
    Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • The atmosphere surrounding the state championships was notably calmer than a year ago, when demonstrations over Hernandez’s participation drew national attention.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
  • The wind whips through my hair as the gleaming new fiberglass speedboat accelerates out of the calm bay and into open waters, striped in shades of turquoise, in defiance of the name.
    Lauren Keith, Robb Report, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • The governor continued her call for peaceful demonstrations and urged outside agitators to stay home.
    Mark Prussin, CBS News, 31 May 2026
  • After peaceful demonstrations were put down with lethal force, many opponents of military rule took up arms, and large parts of the country are now embroiled in conflict.
    Grant Peck, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Americans have known Fox News’s Kayleigh McEnany as the composed woman behind the podium, forcefully defending administration policy in the White House briefing room, sparring with reporters on live television, or navigating the relentless pressures of national politics.
    Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2026
  • McIlroy overcame some early inconsistency to put together a composed round, while Burns leaned on excellent ball-striking to match him at the top.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • At the time, the diagnosis was much more taboo, discussed only with hushed, fearful voices.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
  • In recording studios all around the world, two names are mentioned in hushed tones.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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