Definition of serenenext
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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 carousel of photos included a few shots of Sherrod posing in front of serene, turquoise waters, with the last video appearing to capture a photoshoot her daughters had during the trip. Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026 Few places in the Sunshine State are as serene and idyllic as the picture-perfect Florida Keys. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026 For solo travelers, there's nothing like a serene soak in the natural thermal waters found on the historic Bathhouse Row, followed by a refreshing drink of spring water and a lazy hike through the dense woods at Hot Springs National Park. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026 Visit this legacy distillery at its riverside estate, which includes the Pogue family’s restored historic home from 1845, a tasting room, and more, all overlooking the river’s serene waters. Michelle Polizzi, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • As a national icon, the Natural Bridge served as a quiet, Emersonian rebuke to Europe’s militaristic triumphal arches, reinforcing the naturalness of American democracy.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • This peaceful hotel feels like a library—warm, bookish, and sanctuary-like—though most guests congregate in quiet nooks between the hibiscus flowers, grapefruit trees, and pines that predate the property.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Stay calm and adjust without losing your place.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
  • Carly is cool, calm, controlled, and precise.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Orangery, one of nearly a dozen gardens, provides an exotic and tranquil refuge to recovery from the adrenaline.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Turning onto shady Little Road felt instantly tranquil.
    Christopher Spata, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Once fierce rivals, the two men were responsible for the country’s first peaceful transfer of power between parties, after Jefferson and his Democratic-Republican Party defeated Adams and the Federalists in the election of 1800.
    Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • This hotel’s luxury mountain bungalows offer a quiet, peaceful retreat in the heart of the cloud forest.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • McIlroy overcame some early inconsistency to put together a composed round, while Burns leaned on excellent ball-striking to match him at the top.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Before Tuesday night, Konate had looked much more composed and commanding.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Last Summer is a hard movie to shake, precisely because its placid surfaces conflict so beautifully and unnervingly with its dark heart.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The 1981 painting is abstract and minimalist, a compilation of placid shades—pink, blue, and white lines—stacked horizontally.
    Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Both properties are designed for guests who want their stay to do something — not just feel restful.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
  • Such gadgets ended up affecting restful sleep.
    Shirl Leigh May 03, New Atlas, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • This style appeals for its timeless charm and ability to feel collected and lived-in over time.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 2026
  • For one, Palestine by Joe Sacco, which found its way onto academic syllabi before gaining steam as a collected volume of graphic reporting.
    Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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