calm 1 of 3

1
2
3

calm

2 of 3

noun

calm

3 of 3

verb

Try This Instead

For
Try This
a calm demeanor
a cool demeanor
a placid demeanor
a tranquil demeanor
a peaceful demeanor
a relaxed demeanor
calm determination
quiet determination
cool determination
stoic determination
placid determination
tranquil determination
calm dignity
quiet dignity
serene dignity
tranquil dignity
placid dignity
gentle dignity
calm wind
gentle wind
soft wind
mild wind
light wind

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of calm are peaceful, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words 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

When is peaceful a more appropriate choice than calm?

In some situations, the words peaceful and calm are roughly equivalent. However, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When might placid be a better fit than calm?

The words placid and calm can be used in similar contexts, but placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When would serene be a good substitute for calm?

Although the words serene and calm have much in common, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of calm?

The synonyms tranquil and calm are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 calm
Adjective
This superstar legume is said to provide a sense of calm, regulate hormones, strengthen the immune system, aid memory, and have positive skin benefits. Alessandra Signorelli, Glamour, 21 July 2025 Long walks, plushy toys, and calm dog friends seem to bring him lots of joy. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Noun
The American Civil Liberties Union recommends staying calm. Calista Oetama, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2025 Lemon Balm Lemon balm contains chemicals that promote a sense of overall calm and support nervous system health. Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
Verb
If the calming measure is not the most effective, alternative solutions may be presented. Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025 The walls have been painted in calming shades of greens and blues, and light pours through skylights in a cavernous area designed to serve as a waiting area for families and patients. Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • Accessible only by boat, the island features quiet trails, pebble beaches, and one campsite on the north end.
    Katherine Lawless, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
  • At least the Cubs can take heart knowing the 64-44 Brewers, their chief rival in the NL Central, also stayed quiet.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But Mitchell is based in the altogether more serene surroundings of Ealing, west London, in the same studio that brings SailGP to our TV screens.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • Her name whispers of gentle waves, depth and a soothing light, a haven bright and serene, wild as the sea.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • The garden that lined the walkway between the two offered a peaceful sitting area for the first family.
    Kyler Alvord, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Traveling the open road can be a peaceful journey—or a gridlocked nightmare.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Less than two weeks for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 29 July 2025
  • By and large, Iranian minority communities live in peace, and many citizens of all backgrounds appeared to rally behind the government during and after the recent clashes.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Niacinamide helps refine texture, hyaluronic acid keeps hydration levels in check, and vitamin E adds a soothing antioxidant boost.
    Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • Soak in a naturally heated pool while enjoying the beauty of the adjacent Sinclair Canyon rock cliffs and the soothing chant of Sinclair Creek.
    Jenny Wisniewski, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The fruit contains a high water content and has many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
  • The initial headline in the story contained incorrect information .
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Explore camping, great outdoors at area parks The Tawas area features opportunities for outdoor exploration at state and local parks and beyond. Area trails, including along the Lake Huron shoreline, offer a tranquil environment to walk, hike or bike.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
  • Just as the fish rise to the surface when the water is calm, your best ideas may surface when your mind is tranquil and wandering during an evening shower.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Yet for all the nerves, there is great pride in Yoro’s calm and composed performances, which have quickly taken him to the top.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 20 May 2025
  • Krypto maintains the decidedly unruly nature of the dog upon which he is based, a funny foil to Superman’s (played by David Corenswet) kind and composed comportment.
    Dan Heching, CNN Money, 12 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on calm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!