CALM Synonyms: 310 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'calm' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of calm are peaceful , placid , serene , and tranquil . While all these words 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

Q: When is 'peaceful' a more appropriate choice than 'calm'?

In some situations, the words peaceful and calm are roughly equivalent. However, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil. // grown peaceful in old age

Q: When might 'placid' be a better fit than 'calm'?

The words placid and calm can be used in similar contexts, but placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency. // remained placid despite the criticism

Q: When would 'serene' be a good substitute for 'calm'?

Although the words serene and calm have much in common, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility. // watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

Q: When can 'tranquil' be used instead of 'calm'?

The synonyms tranquil and calm are sometimes interchangeable, but tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure. // the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

calm 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of calm next

as in quiet

free from storms or physical disturbance after a stormy night of high winds and driving rains, the day dawned on a calm sea

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in serene

free from emotional or mental agitation bystanders tried to help the injured person remain calm while they waited for the ambulance to arrive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in peaceful

free from disturbing noise or uproar the room became much calmer once the rowdy tour group had left

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

calm

2 of 3

noun

ˈkäm

as in restfulness

a state of freedom from storm or disturbance vacationing city dwellers who are tired of the hustle and bustle enjoy the calm of the secluded mountain village

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as in peace

freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions the batter always exudes an aura of calm, even in clutch situations

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calm

3 of 3

verb

as in to soothe

to free from distress or disturbance the president's reassuring words did much to calm the public during the national emergency

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as in to contain

to gain emotional or mental control of he calmed himself before continuing the eulogy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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For

Try This

a calm demeanor

a cool demeanor

a placid demeanor

a tranquil demeanor

a peaceful demeanor

a relaxed demeanor

calm determination

quiet determination

cool determination

stoic determination

placid determination

tranquil determination

calm dignity

quiet dignity

serene dignity

tranquil dignity

placid dignity

gentle dignity

calm wind

gentle wind

soft wind

mild wind

light wind

tranquil wind

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of calm are peaceful, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words 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

When is peaceful a more appropriate choice than calm?

In some situations, the words peaceful and calm are roughly equivalent. However, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When might placid be a better fit than calm?

The words placid and calm can be used in similar contexts, but placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When would serene be a good substitute for calm?

Although the words serene and calm have much in common, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of calm?

The synonyms tranquil and calm are sometimes interchangeable, but tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

Examples 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 calm

Adjective

Although the weather will be calm and pleasant for much of the day, the morning fog could lead to some brief visibility issues, particularly for early travelers. —

Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024 The wind is expected to be calm Tuesday night with a low temperature of around 28 degrees. —

Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024

Noun

Officials have urged calm and emphasized there is no evidence suggesting the sightings pose a security threat. —

Brad Lendon, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024 Organizations that rely on luck to avoid accidents may experience periods of calm, but luck is unpredictable and uncontrollable. —

Andreza Araujo, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Verb

Trainers offer tips to calm them during your holiday party. —

Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024 Things calmed down in the third period, but this game had an unusual level of feeling and emotion for a late December contest. —

Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for calm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm

Adjective

Fede Valverde’s goal highlights the quiet work at Valdebebas Madrid took Sevilla apart with two powerful shots, first from Mbappe and then by Fede Valverde.

Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Then there’s the guy in the quiet car on the 10:33 A.M.

Patricia Marx, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024