calm 1 of 3

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calm

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noun

calm

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verb

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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
Even if the bear charges you, you're advised to stand your ground and remain calm, using bear spray if on hand. Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 After Jamie Miller collapsed at their home in County Durham, England, Tyler called the emergency services while keeping his sister calm. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
Michaels’s businesslike calm was a counterbalance to the whirling egos and animosities that drove his employees. Susan Morrison, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025 That sense of calm was disrupted during the pandemic by an influx of wealthy New Yorkers and West Coasters drawn to Florida’s lax COVID restrictions and lower taxes. Beth Landman, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
Though the two largest fires continued to burn across L.A. county on Thursday, the Santa Ana winds began to calm, allowing residents a slight reprieve from the spreading blaze and fire crews a chance to make progress. Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2025 The agreement with Hamas would kick off an initial 42-day ceasefire and calm the 15-month war. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for calm 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • After going quiet briefly as emergency responders grappled to contain the multiple fires that destroyed entire neighborhoods and killed at least 27 people, De Laurentiis broke her silence.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Try to snag a room on the third floor for ultimate peace and quiet.
    Ariel Okin, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Located on the state’s southeastern coast, just 30 minutes north of glitzy West Palm Beach, Jupiter enjoys a slower, more serene pace that’s perfect for lazy days of relaxing with a view of the water.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The effect is often serene and soothing, even when busy, stuttering electronic beats occasionally enter the mix.
    Al Shipley, SPIN, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • There are countless definitions of democracy, but virtually all Americans agree on several core criteria: free and fair elections, checks and balances, peaceful transfers of power, free speech.
    Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Trump also commuted the sentences of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers members who were charged with plotting to forcibly halt the peaceful transfer of power in 2020 to time served.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Thank you to all of you who walk with us for a more just world full of peace and respect.
    Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insists that such a deal can be hard to reach, emphasizing the importance of a just peace over a swift one.
    Iuliia Mendel, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Cushioning these actives are soothing cypress leaf and barrier-restoring Lactobacillus ferment lysate.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Pottery Barn Bunny Wake Up Clock: This sweet bunny plays soothing songs to wake your child up or send them to slumber for nap or bedtime.
    Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Eaton Fire in the Altadena area was 95% contained at 14,021 acres.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The sunscreens contain photolyase to calm and soothe; niacinamide for brightening and collagen production; squalene for hydration; and lingonberry to ward off blue light damage.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Look to shades of green like sage, moss, and juniper for a tranquil connection with nature.
    Cyndy Aldred, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2025
  • But instead of a tranquil stroll in the Pennines of West Yorkshire, Ivy had other ideas and began singing Hey Jude by The Beatles—although her version sounded a little different to the warm and soothing vocals of Paul McCartney.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Being intentional about staying calm and composed projects confidence without saying a word.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The Brooklyn native became the new IBF super lightweight champion with a composed and masterful boxing performance to defeat Liam Paro (25-1) on Saturday night in Puerto Rico.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near calm

Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

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