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 Upstate, all the drippy humidity and congested traffic of the city dissolves into a placid breeze. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026 The area The main point of being here is to be absorbed in the mirage-like, placid beauty of the lake. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Hood was 16 when the theme park dropped into his backyard, kickstarting the transformation of the placid farming community with a population of 3,300 at the time. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 But beneath that placid exterior, scientists have now found, the cluster is still reverberating from an ancient cosmic collision. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for placid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
Adjective
  • Top 5 Can’t Miss Unwind after a day of hiking at the Posthotel in Leavenworth, an adults-only retreat known for its serene spa experience.
    Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • For all its medical precision, Mayrlife is a serene and comforting place to stay.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • The tranquil beauty of Virginia’s river life unfolds like a folk melody at this waterfront inn located on a private peninsula.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Imperial Street was eerily quiet on a recent Tuesday afternoon in the Arts District.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Some combination of LeBron’s first move, the growth of Twitter and the development of morning sports talk shows desperate for conversation fodder helped the NBA turn the quietest sports month into a free agency frenzy.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Sant Pol de Mar swaps crowded stretches of sand for quieter coves, whitewashed buildings and a noticeably calmer atmosphere than Barcelona.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • If a friend vents loudly, listen first and encourage calmer options before weighing in.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026
Adjective
  • Bands perform as the peaceful crowd saunters, with the visual entertainment of beefy men cooking barbecue on giant grills.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • The stunning spa, Thistle, is a peaceful escape that continues the hotel’s theme of bringing the outside in; treatments incorporate botanicals grown right on the farm.
    Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • Replacement Ryunosuke Ito, plucked from Meiji University, had a composed debut, including laying on a try for Matsunaga, who was five for five off the tee.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • After opening the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, the United States followed it with a composed 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Museum staff and British and French diplomats who had been watching in hushed silence broke into applause.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • But sometimes, hushed moments become the score’s most powerful statement.
    Vanessa Ague, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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