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
  • Fresh off a max contract extension, Reaves has had a quiet yet ruthlessly efficient start to the year in Doncic’s shadow.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • And at a time of national reflection, Kate’s wardrobe offered its own quiet tribute to those who came before her.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • This silent meditation happened again when the Mechanical Clock Prize was presented, once more setting the audience in a serene horological mindset.
    — Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The spa The resort’s Forbes Travel Guide Triple Five-Star Spa is a standout, inspired by the Caribbean Sea and featuring ESPA and 111SKIN treatments, vibroacoustic wellness beds, steam rooms, and serene relaxation lounges.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • After the peaceful march in Barcelona, some protesters started to smash storefronts of brand-name stores on Paseo de Gracia, a main shopping boulevard.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The violence erupted after a largely peaceful march as Spain experienced its first general strike in 14 years, with workers demanding relief from skyrocketing rents and the rising cost of living.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • But something doesn’t add up about the apparent culprit, Kelly (Shayna Benardo), a poor, placid girl with learning difficulties.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Nov. 2026
  • But this is such a placid group that there’s no real tension between the female guards and the male inmates, and therefore no new insights raised about how complicated a woman’s role in this power dynamic could be.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This creamy fruit also contains vitamin E and carotenoids, which help calm inflammation.
    — Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Bassey, with his arms at his side, stayed calm despite the approach from Smart.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The hushed lavender/chroma purple colorway is 30 percent off now.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2026
  • There’s a delicacy to Sebastián, a hushed fearfulness, that sets him apart from his new comrades.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Getting ample sleep is important, but ensuring that your sleep is actually restful and restorative often comes down to your bedding setup and whether or not your pillows and bedding play to your specific needs.
    — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Certain fruits provide compounds and nutritional benefits that aid in a more restful night.
    — Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Over industrial/electro darkwave, MacKay was a composed presence, delivering vocals with casual ease, propping his foot on an amp while leaning into the crowd, and lightly resting his elbow on the mic stand.
    — Sarah Moroz, Pitchfork, 10 Nov. 2026
  • An entirely new chassis, far more sophisticated suspension, better brakes and a whole lot of modern equipment on board – all of which meant the 450 was a far more capable, composed and versatile machine.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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