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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 Mornings began with mellow reggae and lovers rock, setting a tranquil mood for the day. Melissa Noel, Essence, 13 Feb. 2025 The drinks will also be offered at Outstanding in the Field, which will set its long table for the 10th year in a row in the tranquil hideaway of the VIP Rose Garden. Brianne Tracy, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Select from among hardy and tropical water lilies (Nymphaea) and lotus plants (Nelumbo) for a colorful, yet tranquil addition to your backyard space. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2025 Anitta says she's been listening to the tranquil soundscapes of New-age singers Krishna Das and Snatam Kaur, who are known for their Indian devotional music. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • The present-day Affleck and titular accountant from The Accountant 2 seems to briefly reach out and touch the Sad Affleck of days of yore in this final memory, his eyes almost misty and voice quiet.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
  • And while Bicester Heritage acts as a quiet and calm but highly productive group of car-adjacent businesses during the week, the Scramble sees thousands of gearheads descend.
    Alistair Charlton, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hotel is a luxury resort located along the serene mangroves, offering a peaceful escape while still being close to the action of the downtown.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The region marks the entrance to the Kettle Moraine State Forest and is a serene backyard for residents of Milwaukee: a patchwork of wetlands, forests, and prairie land.
    Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The meeting lasted about 15 minutes inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, where Francis often preached the need for a peaceful end to the war, just before Trump and Zelenskyy took their seats at the outdoor funeral service.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Together, these two pros deliver a Sunday to-do list that will hopefully create a more peaceful and efficient week ahead.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For decades, that task would have taken place in the placid setting of a bullpen session.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • There are meadows full of elk and rivers stacked with trout, steep slopes, and placid lakes.
    Graham Averill, Outside Online, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The evening is expected to be calm and mild with a low of 57.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2025
  • To those leading their march and speaking for the tens of thousands standing behind you: be calm, be clear.
    Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And the white noise provided by the 90º oscillating fans is, in Harrison’s opinion, just the low-frequency sound needed for restful sleep.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Pain, worry, or getting up to use the bathroom at night can all decrease restful sleep, causing someone to feel even more tired during the day. MCRPC Without Symptoms Not everyone with mCRPC will have symptoms right away.
    Julie Scott, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Eliot compares this style to Rory McIlroy lining up a putt to win the Masters: focused, composed, blocking out distractions.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The sets had their ups and downs: some of the improvisations were gorgeous, but the more composed elements felt messy.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tranquil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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