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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
Set atop almost 16 acres and known as the Kingsbury-Curtis House, the property is on the market for the first time in 20 years with calm vistas of the Ramapo Mountains and nearby lakes. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025 The fjord in the northwestern corner of Prince William Sound features glassy, calm water with imposing rock walls looming above it. Darren Orf, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
Markets were in dire need of some calm after a hellish month of tariff chaos that eroded trillions of dollars of value and pushed both the S&P and Nasdaq into official correction territory. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2025 The sweet, floral, and milky notes of cherry blossoms reconnect us to childhood and a sense of calm—and can turn a small, everyday moments into a special one. Ana Morales, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
And the ferry ride had done nothing to calm him down. Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025 That may include two or three calming activities, such as journaling, stretches, or prayer. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • Dinner at Bavel, watching Liverpool play, quiet reading.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The Atlanta Braves had a quiet winter that has been followed by a busy spring training.
    John Perrotto, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Nestled in the serene mountains of Chiang Mai and the lush tropical beauty of Sri Lanka, The Beekeeper House is a sanctuary for healing.
    Kara Markley Sterling, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The Bulgarian, known for his serene disposition and velvet touch, ranks as the top goalscorer in sub-zero matches with nine goals — although five of these came in Manchester United’s 7-1 mauling of Blackburn Rovers in November 2010, skewing the results somewhat.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In the opening scene of Season 3, Nicholas Duvernay’s character hurls expletives at a Buddha statue — encapsulating the character’s cultural ignorance while also foreshadowing how the retreat will be anything but peaceful for those seeking peace.
    Viren Naidu, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Tesla’s stock has plummeted nearly 50 percent since late December, and the EV company has become a target for both peaceful protests and violent demonstrations, including vandalism, shootings and arson attacks.
    Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Among those discussions were threads on brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine, and military operations, according to the Journal.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The Russian president said Friday that his Ukrainian counterpart does not have the legitimacy required for a peace deal signature and suggested an interim government is needed.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Made with silicone, this teether has a variety of textures that are meant to soothe a baby’s sore gums.
    Laura Lu, Parents, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Crafting and DIYs have surged this year, thanks to a rise in adult hobbies as people look for soothing ways to fill their free time.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The palette contains highly pigmented, blendable and long-lasting eyeshadows in assorted natural colors.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Florida must find a way to contain the highly productive frontcourt of Derik Queen and Julian Reese.
    Tobias Bass, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Spa The Heavenly Spa by Westin is a tranquil space located toward the back of the resort, just a short walk or quick bike ride away.
    Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Photo : The Finale Masterplan Development A tranquil powder room.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, research at the Ivey Business School reveals that temperance (being calm, composed, patient, prudent, and self-controlled) is one of the weakest character dimensions for many people.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Accepting the results with a composed yet sobering tone, Shyne acknowledged the democracy.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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