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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of serene are calm, peaceful, placid, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When could calm be used to replace serene?

The meanings of calm and serene largely overlap; however, 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 serene?

While the synonyms peaceful and serene are close in meaning, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When would placid be a good substitute for serene?

Although the words placid and serene have much in common, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is it sensible to use tranquil instead of serene?

The words tranquil and serene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 serene The view of the water from Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar is serene and inviting. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025 River Highlands makes for a serene and scenic view in New England’s summer months. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 18 June 2025 It was ravaged by disease, rather than simply serene. Kambole Campbell, Variety, 10 June 2025 Secrets Baby Beach Aruba, set to open in June 2025, is located just two minutes down the road from San Nicolas’ downtown center, along the serene Baby Beach. Danielle Robles, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • Without it, people go quiet, engagement drops and growth stalls.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Young visitors will enjoy the splash pad and water slide, while guests ages 18 and older are welcome to relax in the quiet adults-only pool and hot tub.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s something wonderfully timeless about pushing off from shore in a canoe as the paddles dip quietly through calm water as dragonflies skim by.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
  • What if your government made the calm, rational decision that your country must cease to exist, then set about shutting it down in stages, as the currency became worthless and the population scrambled to emigrate?
    Judy Berman, Time, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Buyers are moving away from light and airy tones, favoring deeper hues that feel modern, tranquil, and organic.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 17 June 2025
  • Mercedes uses rich wood trim, white Nappa leather, white silk, and polished aluminum to create an atmosphere that's both tranquil and glamorous.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful, and U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Tehran is not actively pursuing a bomb.
    Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 26 June 2025
  • My students said these are small, unexpected spots that provide an excellent opportunity for a quiet, peaceful break, to be present, whether enjoyed alone or with a friend.
    Eric Zillmer, The Conversation, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Then take the time to analyze the situation before delivering a thoughtful and composed response.
    Christopher Fairbank, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • McIlroy looked composed and steady at 2-under through nine.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Highlights ranged from a placid morning setting out on Lake Ontario to a crowded afternoon carefully crossing shipping lanes in New York Harbor.
    Taylor Haney, NPR, 18 June 2025
  • Shortly after, the placid family evening was interrupted when, prosecutors alleged, Jenkins’ brother, Jalonie, stabbed her so brutally that her trachea was split in half.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The brand’s Breeze duvet cover features an extra-soft, 300 single-ply thread count sateen weave fabric made from Tencel eucalyptus lyocell fibers, which helps absorb moisture and promote a restful sleep.
    Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 21 June 2025
  • For Better Sleep Best time to drink: Evening Consider trying bone broth in the evening for more restful sleep.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • The researchers used the collected ear wax data to train an artificial intelligence olfactory (AIO) system, technology that uses sensors to simulate the human sense of smell to detect and analyze VOCs.
    Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
  • The wording of the notice suggests the collected data can be used much more broadly than past department data sets.
    Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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