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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 Manta Resort boasts private beach access and a restaurant overlooking the water's edge, while the Limni resort, with just 11 rooms and a tranquil central pool, offers a more personalized experience. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025 The serenity of this secluded Côte d’Azur retreat provides a tranquil foil for The White Lotus’ explosive drama. Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Rounding out the offerings are tranquil inner gardens and two classic canal boats for exploring the city’s waterways. Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2025 The Bear tends to veer between unbearably hectic and tranquil; Edebiri shows her directorial chops by directing an episode imbued with that quiet stillness. Banseka Kayembe, Refinery29, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • Hours after the deal’s announcement, videos posted on social media by correspondents and Unicef spokesperson James Elder in Gaza showed a relatively quiet night sky, a rare occurrence in an enclave that has faced incessant bombardments for just over two years.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
  • When Venus journeys through Virgo, affection looks like cooking a meal for someone, fixing what’s broken or showing up in quiet, consistent ways.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This serene, design-forward space oozes relaxation — cozy up in one of the sculptural chairs and get ready for one of the best massages in town.
    Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Among the Trees and Hilltops After Nobu’s serene luxury, Acre Resort was a lush escape.
    Lisa Greissinger, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In his comments outside the Villa Barberini, Leo spoke about the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israeli communities, saying efforts had to be made to reduce hatred in the world and that the church’s role is to promote dialogue and seek peaceful solutions.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The film opens with a celebratory raid on an ICE facility to free detainees, and shows government agents coldly executing unarmed suspects and sending an undercover agent into a peaceful protest to throw a Molotov cocktail to justify increased force.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The latter were sometimes embroidered on his signature woolen cardigans and shawls bearing stylized versions of placid landscapes, bandana patterns or geometric motifs.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The main house is every bit the grand country residence, with vast reception rooms, an orangery overlooking the placid waters of Lower Lough Erne, and a kitchen that’s equal parts stately and practical.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • He was being put through training recently to test his ability to stay calm under pressure as Douglas tried to overstimulate his senses.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • What made the situation a whole lot easier for both of them was the fact that Breezy stayed happy and calm in her car seat through the whole episode.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Many others compared the hushed dessert request to another viral moment where Biggy Norris of the Norris Nuts quietly asked for a caramel slice after surgery.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Did someone mention Ha’s Snack Bar in a hushed tone?
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rooms also feature Hästens mattresses for a supremely restful night’s sleep.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Teens are taking notice, and some might be considering turning to the supplement for more restful sleep, less anxiety, and better gut health.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Only on particularly bumpy tarmac did the GTS-spec suspension become too jarring with the adaptive dampers stiffened up in sport mode, but switching them to normal offered the best of both worlds—excellent, composed body control and tuning that ironed out imperfections remarkably well.
    Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The vocabulary being used by Qatar’s prime minister is strong, evocative and damning, a departure from his usual composed response to the incessant twists and turns of trying to end the 23-month war in Gaza.
    Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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