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 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 These venues include: 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. Emily Strohm, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 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
  • Below are five actions that may seem quiet but can significantly increase your chances of promotion in the first quarter, along with how to put them into practice.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The cold, quiet pattern continues Tuesday in Minnesota.
    Joseph Dames, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The roughly two-thirds of an acre parcel feels inviting and unexpectedly serene for its central Newport location.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Now, private and serene secondary spaces orbit focal gathering spots.
    David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The mayor called on the community to remain peaceful in the aftermath.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • But once inside, as the crackling fire quickly warms you up, there’s no better feeling after hours on the trail than dropping your backpack on the floor, taking off your boots and settling in for a few days of peaceful escape.
    The Denver Post, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Without unbending her back, the mother arranges her mouth into a placid line.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025
  • As Butker’s kick went through, Steichen looked placid.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Minneapolis Police Department asked for the public to remain calm after Saturday's shooting.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • The police chief appealed for calm, both from the public and federal law enforcement.
    Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Omniscience gives way to a motley chorus of inner monologues and hushed conversations, kitchen table squabbles, restless thoughts, wistful memories.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The hushed silence spoke with more power than the words that eventually followed.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • After a restful night’s sleep, everyone is buzzing with excitement the next morning.
    Christina Liao, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Bedroom Weekly Cleaning Musts A bedroom should be a calm and restful oasis.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • More aggressive than the Tide, more physical, more composed and clearly better prepared, the Hoosiers showed zero rust after a month-long break after the Big Ten championship game.
    Paul Myerberg, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on tranquil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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