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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 The Conservatory Garden is the most tranquil part of Central Park. The Editors, Curbed, 9 May 2025 Click here to see all the photos of the tranquil New York getaway. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 May 2025 The saga of this allegedly civilized periodical seemed about as tranquil as a Viking smithy. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 The tranquil turquoise waters are ideal for swimming and relaxation. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • Until this point, Gilgeous-Alexander has displayed a quiet form of leadership during his NBA career.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Illinois Set in the quiet prairie lands south of Chicago, this cemetery is one of the largest in the Midwest.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • People who responded to the survey said the Morro Bay campsite was serene and dog-friendly, while also being close to town and nature walks.
    Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 17 May 2025
  • At the Cowboy Carter concert at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Thursday (May 15), the serene moment was interrupted — at least for Blue, who realized the earring in her right ear was caught in Beyoncé’s hair.
    Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Before our appointment at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, a peaceful retreat off the Bodega Highway in West Sonoma county, a friend and I popped into a nearby gift shop.
    Alyssa Bereznak, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
  • Nearby, at Hatta Dam, rent a kayak and enjoy a peaceful few hours on the quiet waters, surrounded by dramatic peaks.
    Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • This public beach is surrounded by water on all sides and features a cove with placid waters that are great for wading.
    Tykesha Spivey Burton, Southern Living, 4 May 2025
  • The Dalarna region is Sweden at its best, with dense forests speckling the landscape, a web of foot trails, dramatic waterfalls, gentle slopes for hiking and skiing, and placid lakes, including one of the country’s largest, Lake Siljan.
    Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Considered one of the state’s best beach towns, Biloxi is known for its picturesque sand and calm waters that are protected by barrier islands just south of the beach in the Gulf of Mexico.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
  • It's also infused with prebiotic oats, which support healthy skin and calm irritations like eczema.
    Laura Lu, Parents, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • For back sleepers, the quest for the ideal pillow is crucial to achieving restful and rejuvenating sleep.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025
  • You’re guaranteed a restful stay at the masseria (Italian for farm house), set amid hectares of almond and olive groves (Toritto is several miles away).
    Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Mexican side looked more composed in the second half, creating more scoring opportunities, especially after Sarah Luebbert (former Chicago Red Stars and University of Missouri standout) came on as a substitute and threatened Gotham’s defense.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Today Diddy seemed more composed, though how long that will last is TBD.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tranquil

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