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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 Though many visitors to Scotland seek out hiking and walking trails far from the buzzing big cities, in fact, Glasgow and Edinburgh are replete with placid and picturesque green spaces. Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Daedone briefly looked stricken, but, even so, a placid smile remained on her face. Thessaly La Force, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025 The placid waters of lakes and ponds can lull waders and swimmers into a false sense of security. Forrest Brown, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025 The market shook off the initial shock, and things have been relatively placid since. Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for placid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
Adjective
  • Imposing granite cliff faces like Half Dome and El Capitan, serene meadows and forests, and the picturesque Merced River, all tend to come to mind.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Researchers at the University of Arizona later observed that green light—which is strongly reflected at us by plants—also triggers a release of natural opioids, promoting a serene state.
    Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Long, flowing lines and a neutral palette create calm, tranquil vibes throughout, while expansive windows invite light in and offer views out.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Visitors also discovered a Zen Room with agarwood scents, cushions and bell chimes, offering a tranquil pause before returning to the bustle of Paris.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Chicago Bears were relatively quiet ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Hotel Fasano São Paulo Itaim Consistently top-notch, from the beds to the dining, Hotel Fasano exudes quiet luxury.
    Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The dogs' job on marathon day will be to calm race-day jitters at the starting line, where runners can feel overwhelmed or nervous about the trek ahead.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • If caught in a rip current, remain calm.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But, even with this major shortcoming, my home still felt much cleaner, smelled fresher, and honestly felt even a tad bit more peaceful at the end of the day.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The footage introduces viewers to Sidney's peaceful new life with her husband (Joel McHale) and daughter (Isabel May), which is interrupted when she is once again targeted by a new killer wearing the Ghostface mask.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Senne Lammens continuing his composed start to his United career could at least counteract those types of chances for Brighton, while Amorim’s defenders will need to be astute to the movement of Hurzeler’s front-line.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Only on particularly bumpy tarmac did the GTS-spec suspension become too jarring with the adaptive dampers stiffened up in sport mode, but switching them to normal offered the best of both worlds—excellent, composed body control and tuning that ironed out imperfections remarkably well.
    Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Gathered around the couch, in a spacious living room soundtracked by hushed jazz piano, her little sister disassociates with headphones while her pops casually chats to her stepmother; observing from a wheelchair is her 94-year-old great-grandmother.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Encounters with Skinwalkers are often described in hushed tones, and the belief in their existence persists.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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