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 Aro Hā Wellness Retreat, New Zealand A world-famous retreat in the Southern Alps, Aro Hā is located on serene Lake Wakatipu, just 40 minutes from Queenstown. Jasreen Mayal Khanna, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 Drive a little over two hours from Toronto, and you’ll be transported from the hustle and bustle of the city to a serene wonderland shaped by the ancient rock of the Canadian Shield, thick pine forests, and lakes—a lot of lakes. Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026 Her convalescence left no trace in me other than the sense of peace – writing about it now makes space for it, stretches it across the page – and the serene light in that room on the third or fourth floor of the hospital. Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 Stay at Covered Bridge House, a serene farmhouse built by the Eli Cox family, who constructed many of the county’s bridges. Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • These quiet temples attract grown-ups hungry for books that preserve our childhood worlds.
    Myriam Gurba, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Stella Parton is opening up about her late sister Dolly Parton's quiet battle with cancer.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Expect to see a calm and composed figure in the heart of defence alongside Virgil van Dijk this season; and if Liverpool begin motoring towards the top positions, Jacquet will surely be a big part of it.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Last week, 200 officers from the National Crime Agency and other forces were drafted in to calm tensions.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 5 Sep. 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
  • On a peaceful morning at the Presidio, Diana Simmons joined a group of strangers who showed up for a group yoga session.
    Max Darrow, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Darkness turns to light and everyone leaves as peaceful galactic friends.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Each component is prepared separately, allowing the individual flavors and textures to shine before coming together in a balanced, composed bowl.
    Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Wrexham’s more direct approach, particularly when defenders Cleworth and Callum Doyle were picking out wing-backs Danny Imray and Ryan Longman with raking 50-yard deliveries, would have paid dividends with more composed finishing.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The tone continues to be placid, the plunky marimba and steel drum score remains the same, and the performances only grow to feel even more remarkably lived-in as the severity of the situation clicks into place.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Appropriately so, given the placid recent range and the clockwork mechanics of sector rotation and low-correlation restraining index-level volatility.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • While the atmosphere at this 400-acre retreat, 22 miles northeast of downtown Tucson, feels grounding and restful, behind the scenes, Miraval is in constant motion.
    Jessica Ritz, Travel + Leisure, 30 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 18 Sep. 2026.

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