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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of placid are calm, peaceful, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is it sensible to use calm instead of placid?

The synonyms calm and placid 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

In what contexts can peaceful take the place of placid?

The meanings of peaceful and placid largely overlap; however, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When is serene a more appropriate choice than placid?

While the synonyms serene and placid are close in meaning, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of placid?

While in some cases nearly identical to placid, 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 placid This public beach is surrounded by water on all sides and features a cove with placid waters that are great for wading. Tykesha Spivey Burton, Southern Living, 4 May 2025 The Dalarna region is Sweden at its best, with dense forests speckling the landscape, a web of foot trails, dramatic waterfalls, gentle slopes for hiking and skiing, and placid lakes, including one of the country’s largest, Lake Siljan. Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 In a rare interview with the Associated Press this week, the outgoing IOC President did acknowledge that the future might not be as placid as the lake that separates the Olympic capital of Lausanne, Switzerland, from Evian, France. Blythe Lawrence, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Her face is placid and grateful, set in ecstasy or prayer. Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for placid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
Adjective
  • Thank goodness the architects of the serene Richelieu wing of the Louvre understood that the most elegant way to experience the outdoors is from inside.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
  • To continue on this casita’s theme of relaxation, there’s also a huge outdoor tub where guests can enjoy a serene soak, watching the stars turn above the hilly landscape.
    Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Located on the ninth floor of the luxurious five-star Times Square Edition, The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens transports diners to a tranquil paradise.
    Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Bring a group for a tranquil picnic by the lake at the pavilion.
    Dalia Faheid, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • For those looking to venture farther, Cruz Bay’s private itineraries stretch deep into the BVI, blending gourmet dining, reef diving, and quiet anchorages into one seamless luxurious adventure.
    Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • Ideally, your room is dark, quiet and cool — think between 65 and 75 degrees.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Few clubs can match Newcastle for its success rate with player arrivals, and that comes from being calm and patient.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • The skies will likely be clear throughout the day, forecasts show, with a calm wind blowing through the city in the afternoon.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Iran says its uranium enrichment program is for peaceful purposes.
    Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 14 June 2025
  • Iran long has insisted its program is peaceful and U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Tehran was not actively pursuing the bomb.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • McIlroy looked composed and steady at 2-under through nine.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 13 June 2025
  • De Armas doesn’t make the mistake of looking too composed, or making the vigorous smackdowns look effortless.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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