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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 There are many ice clouds associated with tranquil weather that are simply regions of the atmosphere with more moisture but not precipitation. Ross Lazear, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2025 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 All lead to a tranquil pond where Schlumberger’s design rests in quiet reflection. Thomas Waller, WWD, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • The Pentagon has not held a press briefing in weeks, and the Defense Department has been quiet about the ongoing strikes.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • On the final whistle, there was deep quiet inside the Metropolitano.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The primary suite, situated on the main floor, features a serene bathroom with bamboo detailing on the ceiling and a private terrace overlooking the lake.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The video initially shows serene underwater footage featuring fish gliding through turquoise waters.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite its buzzy location, the hotel feels like a peaceful retreat in the middle of the capital city.
    Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Tehran says that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Not that the ostensibly placid 1950s that preceded the anarchic ’60s were nirvana in New York’s Theater District.
    Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
  • And the placid and ecumenical urge, so appealing in more serene moments, can land differently in our own.
    Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The sulfur and salicylic acid calm things down without stripping my skin, and there’s even charcoal and bentonite clay to go even deeper and pull out gunk.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Tsunoda came into the weekend with fairly calm expectations, saying that a Q3 appearance and points return would be a good start.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Experts warn against colors that stimulate the mind and could prevent a restful slumber.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The 2021 Baylor and 2022 Kansas national championship squads were nearly entirely composed of upperclassmen, and UConn started just one freshman for each of its back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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