Definition of tranquilnext
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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of tranquil are calm, peaceful, placid, and serene. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

When is it sensible to use calm instead of tranquil?

In some situations, the words calm and tranquil are roughly equivalent. 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 could peaceful be used to replace tranquil?

The synonyms peaceful and tranquil are sometimes interchangeable, but peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When can placid be used instead of tranquil?

The meanings of placid and tranquil largely overlap; however, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is serene a more appropriate choice than tranquil?

The words serene and tranquil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

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 tranquil Schoen, owner of the Paradise River Bend wedding venue and vacation rental property, often visits what was once a pristine retreat across the road from his cabins, surrounded by trees and nestled along the usually tranquil Guadalupe River. Abrielle Kate Maddison, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026 While the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks have been relatively tranquil this winter, the Los Angeles Dodgers added to their embarrassment of riches by signing four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and three-time All-Star closer Edwin Díaz. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026 In the same way, the entire gallery space invites us into the thoughtful and tranquil world of Alfredo Castañeda. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026 Off the usually tranquil shores of Arroyo and Guayanilla, beachgoers watched in disbelief as helicopters whirred and the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship, appeared from nowhere. Israel Melendez Ayala, Time, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • In the kitchen of Oakland restaurant Town Fare, on a quiet afternoon, chef and owner Michele McQueen prepared for an upcoming reservation for one.
    Max Darrow, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
  • West Texas Intermediate May futures also saw a noticeable pickup in trading activity at roughly the same time, with a distinct volume spike interrupting otherwise quiet conditions.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This easy-access escape features serene forest scenes and sprawling views of the lake.
    Brian Higgins, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The deep southern creeks were once like this — serene, thick with fish, and loud with birds.
    Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The protesters from across the Czech Republic attended the peaceful demonstration at Letná park, the scene of huge gatherings in 1989 that greatly contributed to the fall of communism.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Saturday’s hour-long event was the fourth such anti-violence vigil, which organizers described as a form of peaceful prayer.
    Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • With a broad expanse of shallow, placid water, plus playgrounds and picnic tables, Rockport Beach makes an ideal destination for families with kids.
    Pam LeBlanc, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 2026
  • The placid romance of Hareton and young Catherine leaves us, superficially, in a peaceful, even hopeful place.
    Radhika Jones, New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The beach is flat–just right for soccer or throwing a football–and the water is usually fairly calm and great for taking out a standup paddleboard or a surfboard.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The mix of calm bordeaux and vibrant green makes for interesting styling indeed.
    Jana Ackermann, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a beguiling dissonance between the hushed voiceover and the images of ships carrying cables and dropping them in the ocean for the internet to reach the island.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
  • That was on display as volunteers spoke of the lighthouse’s history in hushed, reverent voices.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Physically, comfortable furnishings round out the restful bedroom experience.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Another beloved mattress-in-a-box is from Avocado, a haven for eco-conscious shoppers who want a brand that prioritizes the environment as much as restful Zzzs.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • What caught my attention, however, beyond the lip-syncing and costume changes, was the family opposite me: the mother neat and composed, father in golf-course polo and chinos, two thirty-something sons cheering alongside a girlfriend who would not look out of place on a pageant stage.
    Sophie Morgan, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Before Tuesday night, Konate had looked much more composed and commanding.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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