peaceful

adjective

peace·​ful ˈpēs-fəl 

1

: peaceable sense 1

They are a peaceful people.

2

: untroubled by conflict, agitation, or commotion : quiet, tranquil

the feeling … that we as neighbors could settle any disputes in peaceful fashion

—F. D. Roosevelt

3

: of or relating to a state or time of peace

… the feasibility of creating a peaceful world order.

—Alan Tonelson

4

: devoid of violence or force

The opposing groups used peaceful tactics.

peacefully

ˈpēs-fə-lē 

adverb

peacefulness noun

Synonyms

• pacifistic
• pacific
• pacifist
• peaceable

Choose the Right Synonym for peaceful

calm, tranquil, serene, placid, peaceful mean quiet and free from disturbance.

calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

Examples of peaceful in a Sentence

The park is so peaceful and quiet.

They settled the conflict by peaceful means.

We need to find a peaceful alternative to war.

Recent Examples on the Web

John Mariani Inside the walls the Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi is a peaceful square whose surrounding buildings with their green shutters echo the various architectural styles of the city’s history. —John Mariani, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Police watched the Capitol lawn from atop a nearby parking garage, but the event was peaceful. —Paul Egan, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Trump delivered the comments after a Fox host prodded him to disavow the idea of people on the political right taking revenge, other than through the peaceful means of voting, for the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 15 Sep. 2025

Just as there are others who are pushing for a more diplomatic, peaceful end to the hostilities between Harry and the royal family. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

peaceful

adjective

peace·​ful ˈpēs-fəl 

1

: enjoying peace and quiet

a peaceful people

2

: quiet entry 2 sense 1c, tranquil

a peaceful countryside

especially : not at war

3

: not involving violence or force

settled the conflict by peaceful means

peacefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

peacefulness noun