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 Just around the corner from the rally on Tajrish Square, in a tranquil park near the Cinema Museum of Iran, locals perused an open-air book stall and sipped tea, while couples strolled hand in hand. Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 18 May 2026 Lucy is very isolated in this superficially tranquil domestic setting, separated from friends, far from her mother, dependent on Philip, and not even entirely fluent in German. Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 Turning onto shady Little Road felt instantly tranquil. Christopher Spata, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026 That earlier film, a languid, unsettling thriller, focused on its protagonist’s emotional breakdown during a supposedly tranquil Mediterranean vacation. David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • The current resurgence of tennis necklaces reflects the rise of quiet luxury and a growing appetite for investment purchasing and dressing.
    Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Jung provides discreet, ever-changing services for powerful clients, solving problems with meticulous planning and quiet efficiency.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Along with the soon-to-open Oscar de la Renta and other high-end designer shops, Hermès will test shoppers’ willingness to spend high dollar figures at the serene North Shore shopping center.
    Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Summary Paros, a serene Cycladic island, is home to Avant Mar, a resort celebrated for its relaxed sophistication, particularly in its diverse food and beverage program.
    Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Brits and Portuguese make up the relaxed crowd, and the general vibe is peaceful and quiet.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The peaceful demonstration turned violent when the fishermen attacked the floating protesters with poles and spinning propellers, the foundation reported.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • There are so few people around, and such little movement on the placid sound, being here feels like a true respite from the city just a couple hours away.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Maheu and Perreault-Magny tied up briefly in the middle of the placid river with officers from the Akwesasne nation, a Tim Hortons coffee cup riding shotgun on their console.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Expect a calm palette of neutrals and soft blues, metallic accents, and plenty of natural light, with views either west toward the mountains and desert or north up the Strip.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The extra five minutes spent adjusting a pillow so the incision is protected, the calm explanation of what the next day will look like, the quiet competence that makes a terrifying situation feel manageable—these moments stick.
    Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The two continued to speak about the homicide in hushed tones, authorities said.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In a hushed environment, the buds' passive isolation is often sufficient.
    Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Then there are omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation and support brain health, creating the perfect environment for restful sleep.
    Mura Dominko, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Peridot is believed to bring good health, restful sleep, and peace to relationships, by balancing emotions and mind.
    Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Barbie’s hair choices, too, are ever so composed and elegant.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • Replacement Ryunosuke Ito, plucked from Meiji University, had a composed debut, including laying on a try for Matsunaga, who was five for five off the tee.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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