1
2
3

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 And Kumasi is very calm and very serene. Heran Mamo, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025 Its unique positioning among treetops imbues the property with a serene ambience that’s made even better with water views in every room. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2025 Bells resonated throughout the space, while a meditative composition by Poeji welcomed guests into a serene atmosphere. Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025 Vipassana centers are tucked away in serene landscapes, surrounded by quiet. Essence, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • Where to stay On a quiet side street in the Latin Quarter, near the Jardin des Plantes and a 30-minute stroll from the catacombs is the Le Jardin de Verre by Locke, which opened in March 2025.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Meloni told the Saturday Night Live star to remain quiet as he FaceTimed Hargitay, who was en route to Poehler’s podcast.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • De Gea developed it to a degree but was more of an instinctive shot stopper than someone who would marshal the back line and spread calm to those in front of him.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Benkired, who reportedly appeared mostly calm in court Friday as prosecutors laid out the case against her, could face up to life in prison if convicted, Le Parisien reported.
    Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The tranquil, upscale neighborhood of Pacific Palisades was devastated by the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County in January, destroying thousands of structures—including the home of celebrities such as Jeff Bridges, Paris Hilton, and Billy Crystal.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Out-of-towners were enjoying the warm weather and music on an outdoor deck at the American Fish Company in Southport, a small and tranquil city near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, when gunshots rang out.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Fall boating can mean peaceful days on Arkansas' large reservoirs while many hunters begin to hit the woods instead of the water.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • But the enormous turnout for the largely peaceful demonstrations appeared to stiffen their resolve.
    Nik Popli, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Senne Lammens continuing his composed start to his United career could at least counteract those types of chances for Brighton, while Amorim’s defenders will need to be astute to the movement of Hurzeler’s front-line.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Only on particularly bumpy tarmac did the GTS-spec suspension become too jarring with the adaptive dampers stiffened up in sport mode, but switching them to normal offered the best of both worlds—excellent, composed body control and tuning that ironed out imperfections remarkably well.
    Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In a small town like Harding, a crime involving local children of local families shatters the relatively placid and usually numb routines of daily life.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The latter were sometimes embroidered on his signature woolen cardigans and shawls bearing stylized versions of placid landscapes, bandana patterns or geometric motifs.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rooms also feature Hästens mattresses for a supremely restful night’s sleep.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Teens are taking notice, and some might be considering turning to the supplement for more restful sleep, less anxiety, and better gut health.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Different birds, different behaviors The collected recordings were analyzed by BirdNET, an AI system that can identify bird species based on their calls.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
  • When the 24-year-old nets, the defender does his best to maintain his cool, calm and collected persona.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on serene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!