PEACEFUL Synonyms: 235 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'peaceful' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of peaceful are calm , placid , serene , and tranquil . While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil. // grown peaceful in old age

Q: In what contexts can 'calm' take the place of 'peaceful'?

The synonyms calm and peaceful are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could 'placid' be used to replace 'peaceful'?

In some situations, the words placid and peaceful are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'peaceful'?

The words serene and peaceful can be used in similar contexts, but serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility. // watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

Q: When can 'tranquil' be used instead of 'peaceful'?

Although the words tranquil and peaceful have much in common, tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure. // the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

peaceful

adjective

ˈpēs-fəl

Definition of peaceful next

as in pacific

inclined to live in peace and to avoid war a peaceful tribe that had quietly inhabited these shores for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nonviolent

not involving violence or force UN officials struggled to find a peaceful solution to the troublesome conflict

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in quiet

free from disturbing noise or uproar a peaceful house, now that the kids are all grown and departed

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as in tranquil

free from storms or physical disturbance a peaceful lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in serene

free from emotional or mental agitation the patient is peaceful and resting comfortably

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of peaceful are calm, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

In what contexts can calm take the place of peaceful?

The synonyms calm and peaceful are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could placid be used to replace peaceful?

In some situations, the words placid and peaceful are roughly equivalent. However, 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 peaceful?

The words serene and peaceful can be used in similar contexts, but serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of peaceful?

Although the words tranquil and peaceful have much in common, 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 peaceful The riot surged again on June 13, following a large, peaceful rally organized by area religious and community leaders. —

Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 The other people in my village/town/field—coming and going from their own peaceful tasks that are also their last names (baking, milling, cart … ing? —

Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026 Walking the Nakasendo Way is, quite simply, one of the most peaceful—and spectacular—ways to see Japan. —

Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026 For Floridians and travelers seeking an antidote to crowded attractions—or simply a softer, more contemplative side of the state—Bok Tower Gardens remains one of Florida's most peaceful and underrated day trips. —

Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for peaceful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for peaceful

Adjective

Olivier tried successfully to get the reader to understand how a gentle, pacific young man could come to kill more than a thousand people, and so capturing the tone and empathetic portrayal not only of Simo Häyhä and his colleagues but also of the often-bewildered Russian soldiers was essential.

— Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
Courtesy: Apple Apple on Tuesday sent invites to the media and analysts for a launch event at its campus on September 9 at 10 A.M pacific time.

— Kif Leswing, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025