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 Allora offers three-, four- and five-course tasting menus ($99-$159) in its serene dining room. Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026 To encompass the story, about a miracle from 847, when Pope Leo IV stopped a fire with a blessing, Raphael brings you into the fresco through the unshod feet of a woman in agony and leaves you near the very back, with a tiny and serene Leo IV. Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 These secret spots provide a serene respite from the bustle of the main street and feel almost like stepping through a portal into the vias of Paris or Rome. Linnea Bailey, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026 Their unexpected connection propels them on a road trip to San Francisco… As the landscapes shift from the bustling city to serene coastal towns, their relationship deepens, revealing vulnerabilities, regrets and dreams. Kennedy French, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • Sources later confirmed to PEOPLE that Prince had a quiet history of using the prescription painkiller Percocet.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • After a mostly quiet game, Alexander-Walker had a critical steal late as the Hawks completed their stunning rally.
    Darnell Mayberry, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The feature is set in British Columbia, largely in the span of a summer during the nineteen-nineties, in a calm residential suburb on the ruggedly alluring Vancouver Island.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • This is altered by telehealth, which allows patients to start this delicate procedure in a calm, secure and private setting.
    Lucy Jones April 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • My 90-minute Inner Calm massage in a treatment room with rainforest views was restorative and tranquil, while morning hikes on Ladera’s cliffside trails further enhanced the distinctive sense of place and vantage point of the resort.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Turning onto shady Little Road felt instantly tranquil.
    Christopher Spata, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In the decades after the war, Japanese Americans would be hailed as a model minority for their resilience and peaceful reintegration into American life.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Numerous friends and family members, in interviews with the News, described Griffin as a peaceful man, known for his devotion to God as much as his spitfire lyrics.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • McIlroy overcame some early inconsistency to put together a composed round, while Burns leaned on excellent ball-striking to match him at the top.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Before Tuesday night, Konate had looked much more composed and commanding.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chinese duo’s voices pirouette around a pulse that sounds like a car door chime as abortive crashes puncture the otherwise placid, kickless ambience.
    James Gui, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
  • So much of her take on this artist in perpetual waiting revolves around sizing situations up, keeping cards close to vests, masking intents, letting tiny ripples in deceptively placid surfaces stand in for big displays.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Pair it with a linen closet reorganization, and the bedroom becomes a genuinely restful space again.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The Deep Sleep Superblend of lavender, chamomile and vetivert relieves stress, supporting relaxation and promoting restful sleep.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Start with a high-quality anchor piece, then layer in vintage accents that make the patio feel collected and personal.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The robot will vacuum oil from the water’s surface, return to its base station to discharge the collected oil, and then redeploy to the spill site.
    Ben Coxworth March 10, New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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