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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
But this type of placid acceptance in the face of obvious danger isn’t unique to this ensemble. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026 Director Juliette Carrillo displays a strong feel for dynamic contrast, the pace ebbing and flowing in engaging fashion, as when a placid interlude of shadow puppetry gives way to a road rally. Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 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
  • The studio successfully created sophisticated spaces of serene minimalism, using rich natural materials like marble and oak wood which is best showcased in the generous bedrooms and the wellness area complete with an indoor pool.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
  • For families Teenagers 13 and up are welcome to join their families, but a child-free policy keeps the hotel a serene haven for soul searching.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 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
  • Something in these quiet rooms is getting ready to happen.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Their world is upended when a new neighbor moves in across the street, bringing old secrets of the cul-de-sac to light and new deadly threats shatter the illusion of their quiet little neighborhood.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The proof was in my Oura ring sleep score—96% and optimal restfulness.
    Brianna Peters, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
  • But restfulness dropped—my body noticed the break.
    Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Lue, who has guided the Clippers to this point with equal measure of faith and composure, said the team needs to focus on Wednesday’s game – not look ahead to a second Play-In game or a first-round series or backward to what has transpired.
    Janis Carr, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Mendoza wins with size, command, accuracy, red-zone efficiency and grown-man composure.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 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
  • The feature is set in British Columbia, largely in the span of a summer during the nineteen-nineties, in a calm residential suburb on the ruggedly alluring Vancouver Island.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • This is altered by telehealth, which allows patients to start this delicate procedure in a calm, secure and private setting.
    Lucy Jones April 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Freedom of peaceful navigation is a basic principle of international maritime trade, but Iran has asserted control of the strait.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.

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