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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of placid are calm, peaceful, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is it sensible to use calm instead of placid?

The synonyms calm and placid 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

In what contexts can peaceful take the place of placid?

The meanings of peaceful and placid largely overlap; however, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When is serene a more appropriate choice than placid?

While the synonyms serene and placid are close in meaning, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of placid?

While in some cases nearly identical to placid, 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 placid As the slow agony of guilt chews its way through him, Justin’s world remains largely placid, if impatient. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 The sun has just crested the hills of West Marin, and the water is placid on Tomales Bay. Sunset Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024 For a beginner-friendly choice for those just starting to get a hang of their paddle, try Chattanooga Guided Adventures, where routes are designed to tour through placid sections in the river and enthusiastic and knowledgable guides help with set-up and safety at every step of the way. Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2024 Rose witnesses a new patient — frantic and terrified one minute, placid and dead-eyed the next — take her own life right in front of her, a haunting smile never leaving the disturbed young woman’s face. Janey Tracey, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for placid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
Adjective
  • These healthy habits also help optimize the bedtime routine by eliminating stimulation and creating structure, which can help mitigate overwhelm and prepare you for a more serene morning.
    Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The only team with double figures of wins this season is Liverpool, who have stood out as a model of relatively serene stability, while most of those beneath them have thrashed about like fish on the deck of a ship.
    Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • At around noon, attendees arrived at Lauder’s residence, a surprisingly tranquil refuge.
    Ian Malone, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024
  • On floating shelves above her rest small potted plants, signs of organic life amid a tranquil technological ecosystem.
    Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Principled a stand as some might have seen it, Variety would have no doubt been part of a very quiet and small minority.
    Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Hotel du Palais de l'Isle overlooks a quiet canal—one of the many that earned the city of Annecy its Venice of France monicker.
    Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The show’s continuing appeal hinges largely on Guralnik; her calm demeanor and sharp analytical framing guide the participants (and the audience) toward astute insights about their relationship patterns.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Children who used to be violent have become calmer, and violence against children has significantly decreased.
    Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The peaceful gathering quickly escalated into violent clashes as protesters and officers engaged in running altercations through the city's streets.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The United Nations as Leviathan: Global Governance in the Post-American World Rich argues that the United Nations is the only body capable of generating a peaceful and cooperative order in the emerging post-American world.
    Kal Raustiala, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Even as the weapon appeared to jam, the shooter remained composed, standing over Thompson and firing again before walking away, leaving behind bullet casings inscribed with messages, multiple news outlets reported.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Every scouting report starts with how to contain the 6-foot-7 post, who has become more composed, stronger and better conditioned as a junior.
    Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on placid

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