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

• dovish
• pacific
• pacifist
• pacifistic
• 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

The peaceful gathering quickly escalated into violent clashes as protesters and officers engaged in running altercations through the city's streets. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

The United Nations as Leviathan: Global Governance in the Post-American World Rich argues that the United Nations is the only body capable of generating a peaceful and cooperative order in the emerging post-American world. —Kal Raustiala, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024

West Africa's regional bloc of ECOWAS said the election was generally peaceful, a continuing trend in Ghana. —Francis Kokutse and Chinedu Asadu The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 9 Dec. 2024

His ally Russia said the president had fled the country after negotiations with insurgents and had left instructions on a peaceful transfer of power. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024

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