CALM Synonyms: 310 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

calm 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of calm next

as in quiet

free from storms or physical disturbance after a stormy night of high winds and driving rains, the day dawned on a calm sea

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in serene

free from emotional or mental agitation bystanders tried to help the injured person remain calm while they waited for the ambulance to arrive

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in peaceful

free from disturbing noise or uproar the room became much calmer once the rowdy tour group had left

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calm

2 of 3

noun

ˈkäm

as in restfulness

a state of freedom from storm or disturbance vacationing city dwellers who are tired of the hustle and bustle enjoy the calm of the secluded mountain village

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as in peace

freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions the batter always exudes an aura of calm, even in clutch situations

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calm

3 of 3

verb

as in to soothe

to free from distress or disturbance the president's reassuring words did much to calm the public during the national emergency

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as in to contain

to gain emotional or mental control of he calmed himself before continuing the eulogy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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For

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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

tranquil 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

Examples 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

The polling site was closed and calm when a reporter visited Monday evening. —

Andrea May Sahouri, Detroit Free Press, 4 Nov. 2024 The capital Gaborone was calm on Friday morning, with small groups of opposition supporters celebrating in the streets. —

Reuters, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024

Noun

The dripping oil merged with the extraction’s dense aroma to lull viewers into a false calm, much as historical romanticalization deploys its populist charm. —

Hung Duong, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024 But as Adams sits on her bench, these fleeting feelings of security and calm have begun to drift like the clouds on the Montana mountainsides. —

Will Carless, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024

Verb

Serum Goes a Long Way Using hyaluronic Acid and PGA peptides, this face serum works to hydrate your skin while calming and soothing the skin at the same time. —

Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024 In addition to showing their holiday spirit, Ortiz says that wearing costumes was a way to calm her nerves. —

David Chiu, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for calm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm

Adjective

Mikko Rantanen spoke bluntly about Nichushkin, saying the quiet part out loud.

Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Find a quiet spot away from city lights, lay back, and enjoy the cosmos while sharing stories with friends.

Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024