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Synonym Chooser

How is the word serene different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of serene are calm, peaceful, placid, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When could calm be used to replace serene?

The meanings of calm and serene largely overlap; 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 is peaceful a more appropriate choice than serene?

While the synonyms peaceful and serene are close in meaning, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When would placid be a good substitute for serene?

Although the words placid and serene have much in common, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is it sensible to use tranquil instead of serene?

The words tranquil and serene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

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 serene Other than that, the backdrop to games is routinely serene, devoid of an edge, undercurrent of intimidation or resounding support. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 While the trip is planned during peak firefly season, sightings cannot be guaranteed—but the hike, scenery, and serene atmosphere of a national park after dark offer plenty of rewards of their own. Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 28 Apr. 2025 Amsterdam Another destination Cronin recommends is Amsterdam, which has Vondelpark’s serene parks and stroller-friendly streets. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 23 Apr. 2025 Volvos are noted for their serene interiors that hold at bay much of the wind and road noise that can come with driving. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • The present-day Affleck and titular accountant from The Accountant 2 seems to briefly reach out and touch the Sad Affleck of days of yore in this final memory, his eyes almost misty and voice quiet.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
  • And while Bicester Heritage acts as a quiet and calm but highly productive group of car-adjacent businesses during the week, the Scramble sees thousands of gearheads descend.
    Alistair Charlton, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The evening is expected to be calm and mild with a low of 57.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Even the galaxy’s central supermassive black hole, which is more than 2,000 times more massive than the Milky Way’s central black hole, is fairly calm.
    Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Soft, soothing shades like dusty blues, sage greens and warm neutrals can help create a tranquil mood.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Photo: Lourenco Teixeira de Abreu For a more tranquil coastal retreat, Mélides offers a quieter escape with wilder, more secluded beaches—perhaps what first drew Christian Louboutin and Vincent Van Duysen, both of whom have homes in the area.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Together, these two pros deliver a Sunday to-do list that will hopefully create a more peaceful and efficient week ahead.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The meeting lasted about 15 minutes inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, where Francis often preached the need for a peaceful end to the war, just before Trump and Zelenskyy took their seats at the outdoor funeral service.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Eliot compares this style to Rory McIlroy lining up a putt to win the Masters: focused, composed, blocking out distractions.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The sets had their ups and downs: some of the improvisations were gorgeous, but the more composed elements felt messy.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For decades, that task would have taken place in the placid setting of a bullpen session.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • There are meadows full of elk and rivers stacked with trout, steep slopes, and placid lakes.
    Graham Averill, Outside Online, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Then, after a restful night's sleep, the crew will spend another two days dedicated to their on-orbit research using a high resolution bone scanner at NASA's Johnson Space Center, in Houston.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Sleep Goals With a New Baby Any new parent knows that getting a restful night’s sleep with an infant is an oxymoron.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The collected data helps scientists unravel the complex interplay between the hot plasma and magnetic fields that drive solar eruptions, according to the statement.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The collected data included names, addresses, dates of birth and driver’s license numbers.
    Ryley Amond, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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