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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 These venues are: Magnolia Park Gazebo, immersed in New Orleans Square by Tiana’s Palace; Magnolia Park Terrace, just steps away from the eerie Haunted Mansion attraction; and Fantasy Faire Garden, set in the tranquil shadow of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 22 July 2025 Just a handful of eco-luxe boutique hotels and restaurants line this stretch of shore, giving the area a tranquil vibe. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025 Explore camping, great outdoors at area parks The Tawas area features opportunities for outdoor exploration at state and local parks and beyond. Area trails, including along the Lake Huron shoreline, offer a tranquil environment to walk, hike or bike. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 27 July 2025 Just as the fish rise to the surface when the water is calm, your best ideas may surface when your mind is tranquil and wandering during an evening shower. Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • Aston Villa have had a quiet summer, which has led to varying opinions on their floor and ceiling.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Thessaloniki, however, pulses with spice-laden markets, waterfront cafés, and Byzantine mosaics tucked into quiet chapels.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Best Places To Stay In Blairsville, GA For a private and comfortable retreat, spend the weekend at Creekside Cottages, which has three quaint stays located along the serene Butternut Creek.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Soak and steam your way into bliss in the Erre Spa at Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc or the wellness center at Montana Lodge & Spa. Go snowshoeing through the serene Val Veny, then warm up with a long lunch in a cozy rifugio.
    Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Over the course of two weeks, ISIS invaded Sinjar, including my once peaceful village of Kocho, sewing fear and chaos, before killing nearly every Yazidi man in my village and taking women and children into captivity.
    Nadia Murad, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
  • In a scene from the film, Benedict Wong's school principal character, Marcus, is shown at home with his husband, and viewers get a glimpse at their peaceful life before things take a dark turn.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet some of the most responsive and well-run cities, including a host of safe and placid South Orange County cities such as Rancho Santa Margarita and Aliso Viejo, have relatively low staffing levels.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 10 Aug. 2025
  • The Ocean Club has terrific service, spacious and placid rooms and a boutique-hotel feel with all the perks of a larger property.
    Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Life during wartime will make what came before seem positively calm.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Trying to explain away a difficult play or a bad performance for some time while the storm is upon us is not an easy task to navigate or deal with and remain cool, calm and collected.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The circumstances are already stacked against restful sleep.
    Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Between night sweats and insomnia, menopause isn’t exactly known as a time of restful sleep.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Her parents, Bertram and Olga, operated a music school and composed music.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Yet for all the nerves, there is great pride in Yoro’s calm and composed performances, which have quickly taken him to the top.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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