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Definition of placidnext
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placidity

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noun

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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
Adjective
The sun set out of view, behind the island, but the placid Caribbean horizon beyond my window offered a contemplative charm all its own. John Bowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026 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
Noun
What comes through most vividly is the sense of forced placidity, the assembly-line-like control over life and activity this country club comes to represent. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026 Season 2 drops that air of placidity and adds spice, genuine horror and feeling to the proceedings. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for placid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
Adjective
  • This easy-access escape features serene forest scenes and sprawling views of the lake.
    Brian Higgins, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The deep southern creeks were once like this — serene, thick with fish, and loud with birds.
    Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Turning onto shady Little Road felt instantly tranquil.
    Christopher Spata, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
  • That earlier film, a languid, unsettling thriller, focused on its protagonist’s emotional breakdown during a supposedly tranquil Mediterranean vacation.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In the kitchen of Oakland restaurant Town Fare, on a quiet afternoon, chef and owner Michele McQueen prepared for an upcoming reservation for one.
    Max Darrow, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
  • West Texas Intermediate May futures also saw a noticeable pickup in trading activity at roughly the same time, with a distinct volume spike interrupting otherwise quiet conditions.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But restfulness dropped—my body noticed the break.
    Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto went into his final start of the spring with a focus on throwing first-pitch strikes, while also hoping to test his composure with men on base.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Despite the tough outing, Yearwood's composure against the rest of Texas A&M's lineup impressed Trout.
    Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The peacefulness of the nature around them helps make the war feel distant — the clouds rolling across the green hills, the bleating of their neighbor's goats at sunset.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Suddenly, the peacefulness turned into total chaos as noise and motion erupted around me.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • As Kasevich rolled into second base with his first double on Friday, the infielder unveiled a calm smile while taking off his batting gloves.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • That star ingredient shows up front and center in the Centella Light Cleansing Oil, which sweeps away sunscreen and makeup while helping keep skin calm and comfortable.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The protesters from across the Czech Republic attended the peaceful demonstration at Letná park, the scene of huge gatherings in 1989 that greatly contributed to the fall of communism.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Saturday’s hour-long event was the fourth such anti-violence vigil, which organizers described as a form of peaceful prayer.
    Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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