Definition of tranquilnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word tranquil different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of tranquil are calm, peaceful, placid, and serene. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

When is it sensible to use calm instead of tranquil?

In some situations, the words calm and tranquil are roughly equivalent. 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 could peaceful be used to replace tranquil?

The synonyms peaceful and tranquil are sometimes interchangeable, but peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When can placid be used instead of tranquil?

The meanings of placid and tranquil largely overlap; however, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is serene a more appropriate choice than tranquil?

The words serene and tranquil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

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 tranquil For what's essentially the embryonic form of a massive star, L1544 is a remarkably tranquil place. Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026 Schoen, owner of the Paradise River Bend wedding venue and vacation rental property, often visits what was once a pristine retreat across the road from his cabins, surrounded by trees and nestled along the usually tranquil Guadalupe River. Abrielle Kate Maddison, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026 While the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks have been relatively tranquil this winter, the Los Angeles Dodgers added to their embarrassment of riches by signing four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and three-time All-Star closer Edwin Díaz. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026 In the same way, the entire gallery space invites us into the thoughtful and tranquil world of Alfredo Castañeda. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • As a national icon, the Natural Bridge served as a quiet, Emersonian rebuke to Europe’s militaristic triumphal arches, reinforcing the naturalness of American democracy.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • This peaceful hotel feels like a library—warm, bookish, and sanctuary-like—though most guests congregate in quiet nooks between the hibiscus flowers, grapefruit trees, and pines that predate the property.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Located in the foothills of Uttarakhand above the pilgrimage town of Rishikesh, Ananda is a serene 100-acre oasis on the former estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal.
    Betsy Andrews, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The clip sees the pair sitting across from each other at a cement table setting in a garden with a serene view backed by a mountainscape, greenery and blue skies.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Once fierce rivals, the two men were responsible for the country’s first peaceful transfer of power between parties, after Jefferson and his Democratic-Republican Party defeated Adams and the Federalists in the election of 1800.
    Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • This hotel’s luxury mountain bungalows offer a quiet, peaceful retreat in the heart of the cloud forest.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • Last Summer is a hard movie to shake, precisely because its placid surfaces conflict so beautifully and unnervingly with its dark heart.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The 1981 painting is abstract and minimalist, a compilation of placid shades—pink, blue, and white lines—stacked horizontally.
    Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Stay calm and adjust without losing your place.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
  • Carly is cool, calm, controlled, and precise.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Some in the small group of hushed onlookers were tearful.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The Maryland rapper continues to carve out a niche for himself in hushed ambient rap over a choice selection of psychedelic, nocturnal beats.
    Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • By using an infrared sauna before bed, users can calm their body and mind and improve restful sleep.
    Mitti Hicks, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Hotel Posada San Juan On the Parque San Juan, close to the Museo de Ropa Étnica de México (MUREM), the 16-key Hotel Posada San Juan provides guests with quiet, restful nights and easy access to the busy Centro Histórico.
    Regina Zumarraga, Travel + Leisure, 27 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

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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