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 Things are more placid now—in 1929, the estate became Longshore Beach and Country Club, which was acquired by the town of Westport in 1960. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026 In that, the vinyl panel turns the 18th-century style on its head, becoming a subversive counterweight to its typically placid, pastoral energy. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026 The tone continues to be placid, the plunky marimba and steel drum score remains the same, and the performances only grow to feel even more remarkably lived-in as the severity of the situation clicks into place. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026 Appropriately so, given the placid recent range and the clockwork mechanics of sector rotation and low-correlation restraining index-level volatility. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for placid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
Adjective
  • The Gilded Age would generally prefer that nothing disrupt the basic contours of its serene status quo, where ladies in hats sit in drawing rooms and deliver smiling rebukes of one another’s decor.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • On his latest solo album, the Tonstartssbandht guitarist/vocalist crafts a serene, psychedelic opus that invites us to become immersed.
    — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
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
Adjective
  • Nothing is revealed, exactly, but the shift in perspective is enough to make the quiet room strange.
    — Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
  • And still, even with all this sound, the apartment felt quiet.
    — Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • But very few active CEOs of large US companies have echoed such concerns publicly, and investors have been calm.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • When asked about a 15-year-old student who lost his hand, Macron said nothing could justify what had happened and reiterated his call for calm.
    — Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Look out for the odd duck bobbing past while enjoying a private breakfast on the balcony, or a peaceful after-dark nightcap.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The protests were peaceful during the period Deadline observed the demonstration, while store customers — many dressed in Hogwarts house scarves — appeared to still be enjoying their experience.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The British singer, 27, composed and co-wrote the lyrics with Bastian Langebæk and Max Wolfgang, according to the song credits on Spotify.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The Emma style, a more composed and sensible block-heel pump, is for Elinor (Edgar-Jones).
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Set the scene Despite being just a stone’s throw from Oxford Street, the hotel has a hushed air and a seriously exclusive crowd.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In other words, get ready to read a lot and yet, surprisingly, to enjoy the immersion, as one might the hushed thrill of a surveillance sequence.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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