placidly

adverb

Definition of placidlynext
as in calmly

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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 placidly That’s a pretty evocative setting for a film, with the perpetual drone and roar of fighter jets overhead and an air of constricting menace pervading what should otherwise be placidly idle summer hours. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026 The waters of a continent – west from the Rockies and east from the Appalachians – pour into it, sometimes violently, sometimes placidly. — Alfredo Sosa, Christian Science Monitor, 24 June 2026 Nature is no big deal in Cristian Mungiu‘s superb new drama of systemic order and individual disarray, which takes in the sprawling waters and monochrome mountainscapes of the region with a placidly appreciative eye. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 18 May 2026 That sequence also introduces a placidly smiley Kylie Jenner playing herself on seemingly a Valium-Adderall speedball of deluded bounciness. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026 Often neglected are the two whorled figures, strolling placidly in the background. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025 All three kittens were in a cage in the trunk of their minivan, placidly watching us. — Tao Lin, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 One goalkeeper robot stood placidly as its opponent kicked a ball at its legs several times before finally managing to score. — Yan Zhuang, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025 Inigo stood a little off to the side looking placidly in my direction. — Literary Hub, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placidly
  1. calmly
  2. serenely
  3. peacefully
  4. coolly
Adverb
  • The play is a gently unfolding, calmly delivered tale of the decades of horrors endured by a real-life person named Eddie Jaku.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The logistics of trackings and killings are calmly and methodically laid out.
    — Justin Chang, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of calmly
Adverb
  • Our low, bargelike vessel drifts serenely, unhurriedly along the brown river.
    — Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Nestled serenely in northern South Dakota on Native American land and surrounded by livestock and crops as far as the eye can see, Timber Lake is a ranching community with two pumps serving regular gas and no stoplights.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of serenely
Adverb
  • On the other side of Via Solari, a handful of policemen gathered around dozens of demonstrators, who ardently—but peacefully—chanted for entirely different reasons.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 28 Sep. 2026
  • His death was announced GWAR bass player Casey Orr, who said Varga, who during his time with the band sometimes played the character Sexicutioner, died peacefully with wife Bambi at his side.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of peacefully
Adverb
  • Murray reacted coolly as the ice water cascaded over him, standing up and clapping his hands while walking it off.
    — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Then, on the very next series, Philo coolly dropped back on third-and-11 – with the crowd going bonkers – and fired a 20-yard TD strike to Dallas Wilson.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of coolly

Browse Nearby Words

placidity
placidly
placidness
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Cite this Entry

“Placidly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placidly. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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