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 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 The Corn Islands Flung more than 40 miles off the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua, the Corn Islands have long been spoken of by in-the-know travelers looking for a truly tranquil escape. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025 Off the usually tranquil shores of Arroyo and Guayanilla, beachgoers watched in disbelief as helicopters whirred and the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship, appeared from nowhere. Israel Melendez Ayala, Time, 10 Nov. 2025 From a kitchen inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design to a colorful yet tranquil Victorian bathroom, Drift Interiors + Architecture can bring any style to life. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • Without my father’s booming presence, our house was strangely quiet.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • What was once a gravel and sand mine is being reforested and turned into a sanctuary with quiet beaches and a pristine, spring water lake.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For glam, Union’s pixie cut hairdo was coiffed with a modern touch, and her makeup included clean, serene details like bold brows, lightly lined eyes and a neutral lip.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • At L'Auberge de Sedona's serene spa, options include alternative treatments like chakra-balancing massages and Reiki, as well as body scrubs to make dry skin glow.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The hotel’s 240 rooms have been designed as peaceful and exclusive retreats, and yet the five-star hotel is also the island’s latest attraction.
    José Cantillo Ferrer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The park’s two-acre freshwater lake offers peaceful fishing spots.
    Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Hicks was born in 1967, grew up in the placid Chicago suburb of South Holland, studied at a seminary on the Southwest Side, spent a year in Mexico, and served in the Archdiocese of Chicago’s parishes and seminaries.
    Paul Elie, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
  • But this type of placid acceptance in the face of obvious danger isn’t unique to this ensemble.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • De-escalate using calm leadership to keep discussions productive and focused.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The day will remain mostly sunny, with calm winds.
    Adam Del Rosso, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But Williams’ unveiled the livery of its new car, the FW48, on Tuesday in a more hushed fashion than anticipated.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
  • The 12-track effort is full of wide, sprawling arrangements that segue from hushed and contemplative to liberated.
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Spice Beauty's Milk & Rose Collection was formulated to bring that calm, restful spa-like experience to your bathtub.
    Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Rooms are designed with soothing, neutral colors and beds that encourage restful nights, and all food and drinks (other than alcohol and zero-proof cocktails) are included in the nightly rate.
    Asonta Benetti, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Comfortable Ride: Adaptive dynamics with the optional air suspension provides a smooth and composed ride, even on rough roads and off road trails.
    Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026
  • When the center returned to Minnesota, Finch saw a player who was more composed and sure of how to use his boundless energy within the context of the game.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tranquil

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