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 For what's essentially the embryonic form of a massive star, L1544 is a remarkably tranquil place. Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026 Schoen, owner of the Paradise River Bend wedding venue and vacation rental property, often visits what was once a pristine retreat across the road from his cabins, surrounded by trees and nestled along the usually tranquil Guadalupe River. Abrielle Kate Maddison, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026 While the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks have been relatively tranquil this winter, the Los Angeles Dodgers added to their embarrassment of riches by signing four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and three-time All-Star closer Edwin Díaz. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026 In the same way, the entire gallery space invites us into the thoughtful and tranquil world of Alfredo Castañeda. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • The Yankees, who have scored eight runs over their losing streak, were otherwise quiet against Brandon Young and Baltimore’s bullpen, going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranding five runners.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 May 2026
  • Treatment rooms are tucked into a quiet section of the hotel, and the menu covers the usual range—massages, facials, and body treatments aimed largely at travelers recovering from long flights or long days of sightseeing.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Grab a cinnamon croissant at Birley Bakery or a lox bagel at Eli’s and eat it on a bench near the serene Conservatory Water with its model boats.
    Riza Cruz, Vogue, 14 May 2026
  • Priced at $38 million, the home will include serene gardens, a spa, and tea room.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Hiking in Kolob Canyons offers the kind of peaceful solitude that’s difficult to find in Zion.
    Dave Parfitt, USA Today, 9 May 2026
  • The mood is cocooning, cinematic, and wonderfully peaceful.
    Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Last Summer is a hard movie to shake, precisely because its placid surfaces conflict so beautifully and unnervingly with its dark heart.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The 1981 painting is abstract and minimalist, a compilation of placid shades—pink, blue, and white lines—stacked horizontally.
    Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Late contributions from Diggins and Elizabeth Williams provided a calm closing act, with the Sky outscoring the hosts 30-16 in the fourth quarter.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
  • The moment of calm belies what is turning out to be an unstoppable year for the Colombian, who FIFA announced on Friday as one of the stars headlining the World Cup’s opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • The hushed buzz of clinking Champagne glasses or afternoon tea pots pouring steaming cups comes from the adjacent lobby lounge.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
  • The wild, hushed world of Wellington may not be hidden behind those gates for long.
    Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • The moody yet restful room strikes the perfect balance.
    Eleni N. Gage, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2026
  • That sensation is thought to promote a feeling of calm and relaxation by encouraging the nervous system to shift into a more restful state, similar to the comfort of being hugged or swaddled.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • McIlroy overcame some early inconsistency to put together a composed round, while Burns leaned on excellent ball-striking to match him at the top.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Before Tuesday night, Konate had looked much more composed and commanding.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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