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
  • And waterfront towns like North Bay Village and Bay Harbor Islands that were once known as quiet working-class suburbs are getting facelifts with new ultra-luxury condo buildings.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Instead, the young man who lived with his partner and daughter was described by neighbors as quiet and reserved.
    Maria Santana, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Top 5 Can’t Miss Unwind after a day of hiking at the Posthotel in Leavenworth, an adults-only retreat known for its serene spa experience.
    Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • For all its medical precision, Mayrlife is a serene and comforting place to stay.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • Gardens and Green Spaces Fairhope’s slower pace is best appreciated in its peaceful gardens and parks.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
  • Often nestled in lush mountains or on a peaceful lake, the bucolic and nature-filled settings of sleep-away camps will always remain ingrained in our memories.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • The pitch had looked particularly placid on the third day but Roach, Seales and the two Josephs caused the ball to seam and swing Sunday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 June 2026
  • The main institutional index of US row-crop land finished up a fraction over the prior year, the kind of placid result that has made farmland a favorite of pension funds looking for calm.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Sant Pol de Mar swaps crowded stretches of sand for quieter coves, whitewashed buildings and a noticeably calmer atmosphere than Barcelona.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • If a friend vents loudly, listen first and encourage calmer options before weighing in.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026
Adjective
  • Museum staff and British and French diplomats who had been watching in hushed silence broke into applause.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • But sometimes, hushed moments become the score’s most powerful statement.
    Vanessa Ague, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a separate study, chronic daily users spent significantly more time awake during the night and got less restful sleep compared with nonusers; another study found that using cannabis close to bedtime had similar effects.
    Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
  • Thankfully, my first night in Appalachia consisted only of a restful sleep.
    Hillary Richard, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • After opening the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, the United States followed it with a composed 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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