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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 Look to shades of green like sage, moss, and juniper for a tranquil connection with nature. Cyndy Aldred, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2025 But instead of a tranquil stroll in the Pennines of West Yorkshire, Ivy had other ideas and began singing Hey Jude by The Beatles—although her version sounded a little different to the warm and soothing vocals of Paul McCartney. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 Its butter-yellow facade and terracotta roof signal your arrival at this secluded retreat, while the hotel’s 80 rooms are thoughtfully arranged around a lush courtyard, and the pool is a tranquil oasis where privacy reigns supreme. Monica Mendal, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024 Find it on Amazon Activated Charcoal Bath Bombs for a Serene Detox These charcoal bath bombs are the perfect product for a tranquil bath that also detoxifies. Veronica Booth, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tranquil 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • The trade deadline was a non-starter, and the summer was curiously quiet.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Hauled by maroon Double Fairlie locomotives, this route twists and spirals up through craggy mountainsides and quiet woodlands before finishing at the old slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, where the views are splendid.
    James March, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • His hair is long; his face looks kid-like, uncharacteristically serene.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Christy Turlington, looking serene in gray cashmere trousers, and with a surfeit of bling lighting up her turtleneck, closes the show.
    Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Outer Space Treaty outlines principles for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space and celestial bodies.
    Wayne N White Jr, The Conversation, 31 Jan. 2025
  • While Assad’s collapse represents a victory, Trump should manage a responsible transition that redirects Syrian chemical weapons scientists towards peaceful endeavors.
    Andrew Kishuni, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Last year was an unusually placid one for stocks, with the biggest pullback of the year coming in at just 8.5% — well below the market’s average intra-year drawdown of 13%.
    Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Treasury yields were also more placid in the bond market following mixed economic reports on Thursday.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the National Weather Service, gusts could reach 50 to 60 mph. PREVIOUS, Jan. 17: Cooler temperatures and calm winds enabled firefighters to expand containment on the Palisades and Eaton fires Friday, as some residents were being allowed to return to their homes.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
  • At Xanterra’s sites, for example, retirement-age workers interact particularly well with customers and stay calm under pressure, Dierenbach said.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This perfect gift blocks out light, minimizes friction on the delicate eye area, and encourages a blissfully restful night’s sleep.
    Blake Bakkila, Glamour, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Wrap it up at the end with the CEO thanking all employees for their many contributions and wishing them a restful and joyous holiday.
    Elizabeth Baskin, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Being intentional about staying calm and composed projects confidence without saying a word.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The Brooklyn native became the new IBF super lightweight champion with a composed and masterful boxing performance to defeat Liam Paro (25-1) on Saturday night in Puerto Rico.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near tranquil

Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tranquil

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