tranquil

adjective

tran·​quil ˈtraŋ-kwəl 

ˈtran-

1

a

: free from agitation of mind or spirit

a tranquil self-assurance

b

: free from disturbance or turmoil

a tranquil scene

2

: unvarying in aspect : steady, stable

tranquilly

ˈtraŋ-kwə-lē 

ˈtran-

adverb

tranquilness noun

Synonyms

• arcadian
• calm
• hushed
• peaceful
• placid
• quiet
• restful
• serene
• still
• stilly

Choose the Right Synonym for tranquil

calm, tranquil, serene, placid, peaceful mean quiet and free from disturbance.

calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

Examples of tranquil in a Sentence

the house was once again tranquil after the kids moved outside to play

though she should have been upset, she felt oddly tranquil upon learning that she would not be receiving the scholarship

Recent Examples on the Web

After making the roughly 30-mile journey north from Tahiti, Brando found 12 small coral islets, or motus, encircling a tranquil lagoon. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025

Once a favorite spot for the young composer Fryderyk Chopin, this tranquil oasis invites you to pause and relax. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

One of Benally’s favorite spots on the property is a hilltop bench — a tranquil corner where visitors have placed prayer notes, painted rocks and other offerings to a nearby cluster of naturally sprouted peyote. —Deepa Bharath and Jessie Wardarski, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024

The tranquil, turquoise waters of this part of Virgin Gorda are ideal for yachts and sailboats, who stake out a spot here for a night or two. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tranquill, from Latin tranquillus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

tranquil

adjective

tran·​quil ˈtraŋ-kwəl 

ˈtran-

: free from disturbance or turmoil : quiet

tranquilly

-kwə-lē 

adverb