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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 Perched above the island’s iconic blue-domed church in the tranquil town of Oia, Santo Pure resort embraces a signature philosophy: The art of slow living. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2025 The producers of The Valley were right to presume that chaos would ensue when people who’d been partying for 20 years tried to settle into more tranquil, suburban existences. Judy Berman, Time, 13 Aug. 2025 The four mile long loop built to connect parts of the city’s new Parks and Boulevards system was tranquil, scenic and offered grand views of the Missouri River below. Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2025 The hotel delivers water views from every suite — enjoy the tranquil scene from your balcony. Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • Thessaloniki, however, pulses with spice-laden markets, waterfront cafés, and Byzantine mosaics tucked into quiet chapels.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Similar concerns were raised in the latest U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices, which flagged issues of judicial independence, media freedom, and the right to peaceful assembly.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 25 Aug. 2025
  • The rooms are clean, cozy, and many have views of the river or nearby forest, giving it a peaceful retreat-like atmosphere.
    Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In Kerala, two brooding boys lie in front of a placid, cerulean lake, with a snowcapped mountain range in the distance.
    M. Z. Adnan, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The market shook off the initial shock, and things have been relatively placid since.
    Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The pair stood almost motionless in the middle of the road, ears swiveling, eyes calm but watchful.
    Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Her ability to maintain a positive outlook while embracing both her calm and vibrant sides reveals a thoughtful and authentic individual who grows through challenges and connections.
    Sara Smith, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Research shows that taking genuinely restful breaks, not just sleep, leads to better work productivity, life satisfaction, and even longer lifespan.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • In a recent study, lower tryptophan intake was associated with poorer sleep quality, thus highlighting its potential role in supporting restful sleep.3 However, for these amino acids to work, peanut butter needs to be paired with a source of carbohydrates like a piece of whole grain bread or fruit.
    Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 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 31 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tranquil

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