Synonyms of placid

placid

adjective

ˈpla-səd 

1

as in serene

free from emotional or mental agitation

an exceptionally placid mother who was rarely upset by her six children

Synonyms & Similar Words

• serene
• calm
• peaceful
• composed
• tranquil
• collected
• smooth
• unruffled
• sedate
• unperturbed
• undisturbed
• untroubled
• limpid
• steady
• possessed
• unworried
• confident
• unshaken
• at peace
• level
• cool
• mellow
• recollected
• self-possessed
• together
• relaxed
• centered
• equal
• nonchalant
• coolheaded
• self-composed
• relieved
• imperturbable
• equable
• unflappable
• detached
• well-balanced
• unshakable
• carefree
• easygoing
• aloof
• nerveless
• affable
• even-keeled
• unconcerned
• phlegmatic
• dispassionate
• breezy
• well-adjusted
• impassive
• stolid
• even
• indifferent
• disciplined
• laid-back
• sober
• tranquilized
• bovine
• self-contained
• assured
• happy-go-lucky
• self-controlled
• self-assured
• loosey-goosey
• devil-may-care

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agitated
• disturbed
• perturbed
• upset
• anxious
• uneasy
• unsettled
• unstrung
• distressed
• unquiet
• restless
• nervous
• bothered
• worried
• tense
• discomposed
• flustered
• unhinged
• jittery
• jumpy
• skittish
• unstable
• unglued
• uptight
• high-strung

2

as in tranquil

free from storms or physical disturbance

a placid lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tranquil
• serene
• quiet
• peaceful
• calm
• hushed
• still
• untroubled
• gentle
• sunny
• halcyon
• mild
• temperate
• equable
• clear
• lown
• stilly
• balmy
• moderate
• clement
• cloudless
• windless
• sunshiny
• rainless
• fair

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• turbulent
• angry
• restless
• stormy
• unsettled
• rough
• agitated
• tempestuous
• unquiet
• inclement
• windy
• blustery
• extreme
• severe
• intemperate
• foul
• nasty
• squally
• blizzardy

3

as in quiet

free from disturbing noise or uproar

a vacation in the placid lake community

Synonyms & Similar Words

• quiet
• peaceful
• serene
• calm
• tranquil
• restful
• hushed
• quieted
• silent
• still
• arcadian
• stilly
• noiseless
• motionless
• soft
• soundless
• mute
• quiescent
• gentle
• wordless
• speechless
• muted
• muffled
• dull
• dead
• low
• ultraquiet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• boisterous
• loud
• noisy
• raucous
• tumultuous
• rowdy
• woolly
• unquiet
• clamorous
• uproarious
• deafening
• roistering
• romping
• wild
• tempestuous
• crazy
• clattery
• rip-roaring
• thunderous
• booming
• thundering
• roaring
• earsplitting
• piercing
• blasting
• blaring

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

Recent Examples of placid

That’s in keeping with the album’s overall vibe; even at its most placid, there’s an unsettling undercurrent. —Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 14 Jan. 2026

Without unbending her back, the mother arranges her mouth into a placid line. —Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025

As Butker’s kick went through, Steichen looked placid. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2025

Bryce Young makes the placid Brock Purdy look like a rabble-rouser at the podium. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 22 Nov. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!