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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 These days, the noise of the papers rolling off the presses has fallen silent and, instead, all is serene. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 The primary bedroom was designed as a serene retreat, oriented to maximize ocean views while maintaining a sense of warmth. Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025 Grateful Pie provides a serene and picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy delicious food and beverages. Ed Semmler, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 Davila had named the serene guest rooms after her siblings, nieces and nephews — The Tito, fashioned after youngest brother Tito who likes to fix things, had a saw, hammer, wrenches and other tools on a wall and a bicycle holding up the bathroom vanity. Norma Meyer, Orange County Register, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • Dinner at Bavel, watching Liverpool play, quiet reading.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The Atlanta Braves had a quiet winter that has been followed by a busy spring training.
    John Perrotto, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Once water has been introduced, provide the dog with treats and praise while bathing them, and remain calm and confident.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Walruses In Heartbeats of the Arctic—A Bird’s Eye View By Jose Martin Perdomo On a remote Arctic shoreline, captured from above, a group of walruses lies huddled together, their massive bodies piled side-by-side in a tranquil moment of collective repose.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The buildings are beautiful and tranquil but fundamentally incongruous (modern architecture mixed with bits of decaying monasteries, gathered from meadows in Catalonia and France).
    Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether a studio or a four-bedroom home, the sleeper chair will fit perfectly in any space and guarantee a peaceful night’s sleep.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025
  • King’s leadership, however, unified millions across America through peaceful protests, marches, and eloquent advocacy.
    Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Accepting the results with a composed yet sobering tone, Shyne acknowledged the democracy.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Last but not least, the bag is available in seven spring-perfect shades and patterns, including placid blue, lime green, koi orange, and a fun colorblock style, among others.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Choose from seven colors and patterns, including placid blue, moonless night, and koi orange.
    Gabriella Maestri, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This nightly routine of slathering on aromatic oils and kneading away tension and worries, prepares the mind and body for a restful sleep.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The Sleep Mist includes chamomile and lavender scents in a blend of essential oils, which encourages restful sleep and renewal.
    Alfredo Mineo, Footwear News, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Longtime collector and principal designer Deborah Lund curates an exceptional mix of contemporary art, midcentury pieces, and vintage lighting in her interiors, blending styles and historical influences for a collected look.
    Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2025
  • But Umberg’s bill seeks to outright mandate that companies can only use the collected neural data for the purpose for which it was intended to be used and disposed of when done.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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