PEACEFUL Synonyms: 235 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of peaceful are calm , placid , serene , and tranquil . While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil. // grown peaceful in old age

Q: In what contexts can 'calm' take the place of 'peaceful'?

The synonyms calm and peaceful are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could 'placid' be used to replace 'peaceful'?

In some situations, the words placid and peaceful are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'peaceful'?

The words serene and peaceful can be used in similar contexts, but serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility. // watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

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

Although the words tranquil and peaceful have much in common, tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure. // the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

peaceful

adjective

ˈpēs-fəl

Definition of peaceful next

as in pacifistic

inclined to live in peace and to avoid war a peaceful tribe that had quietly inhabited these shores for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nonviolent

not involving violence or force UN officials struggled to find a peaceful solution to the troublesome conflict

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as in quiet

free from disturbing noise or uproar a peaceful house, now that the kids are all grown and departed

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as in tranquil

free from storms or physical disturbance a peaceful lake

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as in serene

free from emotional or mental agitation the patient is peaceful and resting comfortably

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peaceful coexistence

friendly coexistence

harmonious coexistence

cooperative coexistence

quiet coexistence

calm coexistence

peaceful means

nonviolent means

peaceable means

nonaggressive means

nonviolent means

nonthreatening means

a peaceful place

a quiet place

a serene place

a calm place

a placid place

an untroubled place

peaceful relations

friendly relations

amicable relations

harmonious relations

amiable relations

pleasant relations

a peaceful solution

a diplomatic solution

a political solution

a nonmilitary solution

a peaceable solution

an amicable solution

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of peaceful are calm, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

In what contexts can calm take the place of peaceful?

The synonyms calm and peaceful are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 placid be used to replace peaceful?

In some situations, the words placid and peaceful are roughly equivalent. However, 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 peaceful?

The words serene and peaceful can be used in similar contexts, but serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of peaceful?

Although the words tranquil and peaceful have much in common, tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

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 peaceful Second, Trump took steps toward reversing the Biden administration's weaponization of the justice system by pardoning 23 peaceful pro-life protesters. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 The episode ends on a somewhat peaceful note, as Owen looks out at the sea, smiling. —

Barry Levitt, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025 This retreat offers complete relaxation, with amenities like a peaceful pond overlook, an outdoor balcony fireplace, and beautiful windows bringing in natural light that invite guests to unplug and recharge. —

Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2025 There are countless definitions of democracy, but virtually all Americans agree on several core criteria: free and fair elections, checks and balances, peaceful transfers of power, free speech. —

Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for peaceful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for peaceful

Adjective

Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham — free to move about while Adra’s movements are constricted — takes this nonviolent fight to a wider platform.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
On Sunday, almost half of the people arrested, 48%, had nonviolent offenses on their record or were people who had not committed any offense.

— Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 28 Jan. 2025