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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 Perry Hotel, Naples Newcomer The Perry Hotel, Naples takes advantage of its prime, serene perch along the Cocohatchee River in North Naples, offering hotel guests a free boat shuttle to the beach. Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025 The garden has themed outdoor areas, including a Mermaid Room shaded by serene monkeypod trees and adorned with a geometric mermaid fountain. Rachel Ng, AFAR Media, 7 May 2025 Then, on April 22, in a serene meadow of south Kashmir’s Pahalgam town, a group of militants opened fire on tourists. Fahad Shah, Christian Science Monitor, 7 May 2025 Her makeup included a serene visage with smokey eyes and a glossy lip. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • The saw-whets, perhaps intimidated by the larger owl, had gone quiet.
    Brad Dokken, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
  • Brazile, a current ABC News contributor, added that Biden stayed relatively quiet during Trump's first 100 days in office this term, honoring an unwritten presidential tradition, and stressed that Biden deserves a platform.
    Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Three Palestinians in Gaza told Reuters early on Monday afternoon that there had been calm since midday, with no sound of drones or warplanes.
    James Mackenzie, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • In an Instagram reel, Chenoa, 26, is seen holding her daughter as the baby gazes upwards with a calm expression.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • At Lewis Vaughn Botanical Garden, a tranquil 1.5-acre oasis in the heart of the historic downtown, visitors will find a pond with koi and many examples of Georgia Piedmont plants.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 20 May 2025
  • In its path, a group of longtime neighbors live in a tranquil enclave of homes.
    Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • When they are released, these reports will now reportedly exclude information on issues such as government efforts to deny freedom of movement and peaceful assembly, failures to retain or provide due process for political prisoners, and the harassment of human rights organizations.
    Time, Time, 21 May 2025
  • Nearby, at Hatta Dam, rent a kayak and enjoy a peaceful few hours on the quiet waters, surrounded by dramatic peaks.
    Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • The speech was met with interruptions from hecklers, prompting Kennedy to remain composed and even express gratitude for the lessons learned from such interactions.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The resort’s composed, perfectionist manager who returned to Japan after years in New York’s hospitality industry.
    Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This public beach is surrounded by water on all sides and features a cove with placid waters that are great for wading.
    Tykesha Spivey Burton, Southern Living, 4 May 2025
  • The Dalarna region is Sweden at its best, with dense forests speckling the landscape, a web of foot trails, dramatic waterfalls, gentle slopes for hiking and skiing, and placid lakes, including one of the country’s largest, Lake Siljan.
    Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • For back sleepers, the quest for the ideal pillow is crucial to achieving restful and rejuvenating sleep.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025
  • You’re guaranteed a restful stay at the masseria (Italian for farm house), set amid hectares of almond and olive groves (Toritto is several miles away).
    Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some visitors bring their collected shells, sea glass, and bits of beach fodder.
    Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 6 May 2025
  • Warhol is one of the most collected artists in the Emirates and the car offered collectors a fresh reframe the icon.
    Grace Banks, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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