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
  • Venus enters Libra and your 12th House of Solitude, bringing healing, privacy, and quiet restoration.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Path two runs through Congress, where Senators Schiff and Curtis have a bill declaring the quiet part, the Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act, and the AGA is lobbying for exactly that.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Muluk Spa is relatively compact with serene treatment rooms illuminated by flickering candle-like lights.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This stunning Amalfi Coast boutique hotel overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, and guests can enjoy their complimentary meal on a serene terrace.
    Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • After decades of relatively peaceful seas, cargo vessels have become high-priority targets, getting damaged, sunk or seized with abandon.
    Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Even a short, narrow stream can create a peaceful effect as the water trickles and gurgles along.
    Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • An upper Midwest lake house often conjures images of a cozy cabin with knotty pine paneling, a fieldstone fireplace, and a dock stretching into the placid water.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • Strikes in the region have been relatively calmer over the past few days, although Kuwait said Iran hit a building belonging to a Chinese company in the northern part of the country on Thursday, killing one employee.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The patented, portable Ready Rocker is ergonomically designed to help alleviate discomfort, relieve back pain, reduce stress, calm anxiety and improve sleep, fitting both deep and shallow seating with two rocking positions.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Everyone in town seemed to walk through that day in a daze; Leslie’s name was spoken in hushed whispers.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
  • Running that corner of the internet is the SIE crew, who have been dropping ghostly sub-10-minute EPs semi-regularly that really dial in on their hushed mania.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • To kickstart sweet, barrier-supporting dreams, try incorporating a magnesium supplement into your nightly routine, or use a topical form of the mineral, which is thought to promote more restful sleep.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 July 2026
  • With modern interiors and restful room features like teak furnishings, rain showerheads, and luxe robes, the hotel is designed to feel like a getaway.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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