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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 Photo: Lourenco Teixeira de Abreu For a more tranquil coastal retreat, Mélides offers a quieter escape with wilder, more secluded beaches—perhaps what first drew Christian Louboutin and Vincent Van Duysen, both of whom have homes in the area. Monica Mendal, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025 The Spa The Heavenly Spa by Westin is a tranquil space located toward the back of the resort, just a short walk or quick bike ride away. Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2025 For those seeking a more immersive wellness experience, there’s a range of mindful experiences, from beach yoga to wellness dining options, all designed to refresh both body and mind in a tranquil, luxurious environment. Roger Sands, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 Mornings began with mellow reggae and lovers rock, setting a tranquil mood for the day. Melissa Noel, Essence, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • As season three continues, the quiet part is said out loud.
    Cyndy Etler, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2025
  • In the rich and frequently chaotic history of Marseille, there can have been fewer more apt demonstrations of the club’s inherent tendency towards turbulence than the decision to head to Rome for some peace and quiet in the same week as the death of the Pope.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The bedrooms offer a serene retreat with plush bedding and ample storage, while the bathrooms feature sleek fixtures and finishes.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025
  • World of Hyatt’s new Mazatlán resort has a dreamy destination spa, an almost endless beach, and serene rooms made for decompressing complete with real-life wave sounds.
    Johanna Read, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The story will chronicle the events of May 15, 1970, when Mississippi police opened fire outside dormitories at Jackson State College (now Jackson State University), killing two unarmed students and injuring 12 others, during a peaceful protest against racial injustice.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 May 2025
  • Sign up in advance to hop aboard the shuttle for a 15-minute ride to Barefoot Beach, one of Naples’ most beautiful beaches that’s known for incredible shelling and a peaceful atmosphere.
    Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 8 May 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
  • Then, after a restful night's sleep, the crew will spend another two days dedicated to their on-orbit research using a high resolution bone scanner at NASA's Johnson Space Center, in Houston.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Sleep Goals With a New Baby Any new parent knows that getting a restful night’s sleep with an infant is an oxymoron.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 2 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 13 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tranquil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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