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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

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 placid Yet some of the most responsive and well-run cities, including a host of safe and placid South Orange County cities such as Rancho Santa Margarita and Aliso Viejo, have relatively low staffing levels. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 10 Aug. 2025 The Ocean Club has terrific service, spacious and placid rooms and a boutique-hotel feel with all the perks of a larger property. Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 This placid scene taken with a Canon R6 Mark II camera by photographer Paul Joels captures the Milky Way in the sky over a boathouse in Lulworth Cove in the U.K. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 July 2025 Waterfall whirlpools, placid gardens and a private pool reserved exclusively for spa guests help complete this transformative outing. Katie Lara, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for placid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
Adjective
  • Nghia has completed several other bamboo projects in China, as well as a serene bamboo pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2018.
    Faye Bradley, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025
  • For example, implementing reservations for Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain at sunrise means at least some people get a relatively serene experience, as opposed to lots of people having an overcrowded experience.
    Allie McCreary, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Water features are a key component thanks to their tranquil sound and rhythmic flow.
    Laura Fenton, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The interface is minimal, featuring only a tranquil compass needle and gentle haptic feedback.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Aston Villa have had a quiet summer, which has led to varying opinions on their floor and ceiling.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Thessaloniki, however, pulses with spice-laden markets, waterfront cafés, and Byzantine mosaics tucked into quiet chapels.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The pair stood almost motionless in the middle of the road, ears swiveling, eyes calm but watchful.
    Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • This kind of radiation is usually emitted by calm and quiet gas and dust, so that was extraordinary.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Similar concerns were raised in the latest U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices, which flagged issues of judicial independence, media freedom, and the right to peaceful assembly.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 25 Aug. 2025
  • The rooms are clean, cozy, and many have views of the river or nearby forest, giving it a peaceful retreat-like atmosphere.
    Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Her parents, Bertram and Olga, operated a music school and composed music.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Yet for all the nerves, there is great pride in Yoro’s calm and composed performances, which have quickly taken him to the top.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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