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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 Though their time in space was short, all six stepped away from the experience feeling a serene sense of awe and humble amazement. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025 The car-free island is the epitome of relaxation, and the serene beaches are the true highlight. Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025 Fixtures that remind us of hotel stays—like blackout curtains, upholstered bed frames, and luxury bedding—can be shortcuts to achieving more serene sleep. Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 11 Apr. 2025 The primary suite, situated on the main floor, features a serene bathroom with bamboo detailing on the ceiling and a private terrace overlooking the lake. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • As season three continues, the quiet part is said out loud.
    Cyndy Etler, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2025
  • In the rich and frequently chaotic history of Marseille, there can have been fewer more apt demonstrations of the club’s inherent tendency towards turbulence than the decision to head to Rome for some peace and quiet in the same week as the death of the Pope.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Clouds will hang around most of the evening, and the low will be around 57 along with calm overnight winds.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
  • There's no magical future where everything is calm and predictable.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Soft, soothing shades like dusty blues, sage greens and warm neutrals can help create a tranquil mood.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Photo: Lourenco Teixeira de Abreu For a more tranquil coastal retreat, Mélides offers a quieter escape with wilder, more secluded beaches—perhaps what first drew Christian Louboutin and Vincent Van Duysen, both of whom have homes in the area.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The meeting lasted about 15 minutes inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, where Francis often preached the need for a peaceful end to the war, just before Trump and Zelenskyy took their seats at the outdoor funeral service.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Together, these two pros deliver a Sunday to-do list that will hopefully create a more peaceful and efficient week ahead.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Eliot compares this style to Rory McIlroy lining up a putt to win the Masters: focused, composed, blocking out distractions.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The sets had their ups and downs: some of the improvisations were gorgeous, but the more composed elements felt messy.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Damn, again, my woulda, shoulda anger steams beneath a somewhat placid exterior.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Not that the ostensibly placid 1950s that preceded the anarchic ’60s were nirvana in New York’s Theater District.
    Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And the white noise provided by the 90º oscillating fans is, in Harrison’s opinion, just the low-frequency sound needed for restful sleep.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Pain, worry, or getting up to use the bathroom at night can all decrease restful sleep, causing someone to feel even more tired during the day. MCRPC Without Symptoms Not everyone with mCRPC will have symptoms right away.
    Julie Scott, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Even if your host doesn't mind if guests run late, giving yourself extra time before events will help you to feel more collected rather than rushed.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Volunteers will pick up the debris, bag it and pile the bags so the Overland Park Parks and Recreation crews can pick up and properly dispose of the collected trash.
    Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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