Definition of serenenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word serene different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of serene are calm, peaceful, placid, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When could calm be used to replace serene?

The meanings of calm and serene largely overlap; however, calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

When is peaceful a more appropriate choice than serene?

While the synonyms peaceful and serene are close in meaning, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When would placid be a good substitute for serene?

Although the words placid and serene have much in common, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is it sensible to use tranquil instead of serene?

The words tranquil and serene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 serene The 11-mile Hoh River Trail explores every nook and cranny of this serene rain forest, while the shorter one-mile Hall of Mosses loops through old-growth forests and maple groves, with a verdant canopy of moss providing shade along the way. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026 Other images saw the Babygirl actress taking in the serene sights of Iceland, then soaking in a hot tub while onboard the vessel. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 Along with the soon-to-open Oscar de la Renta and other high-end designer shops, Hermès will test shoppers’ willingness to spend high dollar figures at the serene North Shore shopping center. Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 When paired with the right furnishings, these hues evoke a look that’s indulgent yet restrained and serene. Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • Industry sources said Pemsel’s exit has been planned for some time, and that the BFC has already been running a quiet, monthslong search for his successor.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 The private thought looping in the background may need a quiet place to land.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But the calm day gave way to terror when her uncle again looked out into the ocean and saw Summer’s head bobbing in and out of the water.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Silvia looks calm, his eyes open and head propped up slightly as Hood prayed furiously over him.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 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
  • Her biggest concern is that creating an academy modeled after the military service academies would conflate what NASA does—the peaceful, civil exploration of space—with military activities undertaken by the US Space Force.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Indigenous leaders played a prominent role in protests demanding the resignation of Porras and the peaceful transfer of power to Arévalo.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Barbie’s hair choices, too, are ever so composed and elegant.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • There are so few people around, and such little movement on the placid sound, being here feels like a true respite from the city just a couple hours away.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Maheu and Perreault-Magny tied up briefly in the middle of the placid river with officers from the Akwesasne nation, a Tim Hortons coffee cup riding shotgun on their console.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Settle in for a restful night’s sleep before heading out for another adventure along the Oregon coast.
    Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Tart cherries are also rich in anthocyanins, plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce muscle soreness and support more restful sleep.
    Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Data brokers legally comb the internet for such information, build profiles using the collected information, and sell those profiles to anyone who’ll pay.
    Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Paired with the Emme play table, this duo creates the kind of collected look that feels professionally layered.
    Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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