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 Mayreau Beach Club & Villas stands head and shoulders above the rest as an upscale hideaway perched on a blissfully tranquil bay. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • Only six minutes into this match, New Zealand has scored to take a 1-0 lead and temporarily quiet what had been a raucous crowd tilted toward the Iranian team.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
  • The end of mandatory minicamp ushers in the quietest time on the NFL calendar.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • With its serene turquoise waters, emerald rivers and lush rainforests, the region has unsurprisingly become an epicenter of wellness tourism.
    Sandra Guzmán, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • The better thing to do is spend a day relaxing on the serene shoreline, then come back the following day to discover everything else the park has to offer.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The largely peaceful celebration radiated out into the streets around the Garden, with some fans climbing on street signs and jumping on top of vehicles.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • The demonstration, which had been previously organized by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism.
    Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • Tuesday night was a much more placid affair, with just twelve runs scored on 18 hits, but of those 18 hits, six were home runs.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • The area The main point of being here is to be absorbed in the mirage-like, placid beauty of the lake.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Here, the threat may arrive with a badge, a laptop bag and a calm voice.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
  • Your 4th House of Home warms as Venus, planet of values, shifts in, encouraging careful upgrades that make daily life feel calm and genuinely cozy.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Not a hushed and reverent scene at all, lively and fun.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • The overall mood remains one of hushed sophistication.
    Carrie Bell, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a separate study, chronic daily users spent significantly more time awake during the night and got less restful sleep compared with nonusers; another study found that using cannabis close to bedtime had similar effects.
    Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
  • Thankfully, my first night in Appalachia consisted only of a restful sleep.
    Hillary Richard, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • While uniform cubes are suited for an elegant, composed presentation, torn croutons are a humble upgrade for nearly everything else where a little contrast is welcome.
    Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026
  • In contrast, composed framing of his loyal squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), underlines a different emotion.
    Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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