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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
Underneath his cool, calm exterior, though, was a fiery competitor. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025 But its interiors widely eschew flashiness in favor of calm, confident hospitality. Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
Some chefs immediately lock in with unsettling calm (see Katianna and Corwin). Caroline Framke, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025 Its lush fronds also bring a sense of calm to any room, improving both the physical and emotional atmosphere. Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
So, those guys who have played have to be the calming force. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2025 After a few calming breaths, Bennett’s shoulders relax. Lisa Kadane, AFAR Media, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • On the final whistle, there was deep quiet inside the Metropolitano.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The Pentagon has not held a press briefing in weeks, and the Defense Department has been quiet about the ongoing strikes.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The video initially shows serene underwater footage featuring fish gliding through turquoise waters.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The primary suite, situated on the main floor, features a serene bathroom with bamboo detailing on the ceiling and a private terrace overlooking the lake.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • There is peace in welcoming transformation through stillness, knowing that change is inevitable–our lives are the proof.
    Chella Man, Time, 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 guests-only 14th floor contains the outdoor pool—stretched along the building’s edge with bang-on skyline views—and the Living Room, a clubhouse where Capella hosts events like an Evening Ritual hour with complimentary cocktails and canapés.
    Travis Levius, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Keystone oil pipeline was shut down Tuesday morning following a rupture in North Dakota, with the resulting spill contained to an agricultural field near Fort Ransom.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Photo : The Finale Masterplan Development A tranquil powder room.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The 2021 Baylor and 2022 Kansas national championship squads were nearly entirely composed of upperclassmen, and UConn started just one freshman for each of its back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

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