peaceful

adjective

peace·​ful ˈpēs-fəl How to pronounce peaceful (audio)
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 fashionF. 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 adverb
peacefulness noun
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 Special counsel Jack Smith led a federal investigation that resulted in Trump being charged with taking part in a scheme to interfere with the peaceful transfer of power. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024 Supporters described Gulen as a peaceful, moderate cleric who championed interfaith dialogue. Jessie Yeung, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024 From $415 per night. BOOK NOW Unique Getaway in Epsom, New Hampshire This tiny, pet-friendly oasis is one of Postcard Cabins’ abodes nestled alongside a running creek in a peaceful forest. Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2024 At Shingle Creek, just outside Kissimmee, a peaceful paddle at the headwaters of the Everglades often results in spotting these serene creatures gliding through the water. Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for peaceful 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'peaceful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of peaceful was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near peaceful

Cite this Entry

“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peaceful. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

peaceful

adjective
peace·​ful ˈpēs-fəl How to pronounce peaceful (audio)
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 adverb
peacefulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on peaceful

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