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Definition of placidnext
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placidity

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noun

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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
Adjective
The notion of a placid start for the solar system’s solids has prevailed for the past half-century. Javier Barbuzano, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026 The Chinese duo’s voices pirouette around a pulse that sounds like a car door chime as abortive crashes puncture the otherwise placid, kickless ambience. James Gui, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
What comes through most vividly is the sense of forced placidity, the assembly-line-like control over life and activity this country club comes to represent. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026 Season 2 drops that air of placidity and adds spice, genuine horror and feeling to the proceedings. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for placid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
Adjective
  • Grab a cinnamon croissant at Birley Bakery or a lox bagel at Eli’s and eat it on a bench near the serene Conservatory Water with its model boats.
    Riza Cruz, Vogue, 14 May 2026
  • Priced at $38 million, the home will include serene gardens, a spa, and tea room.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Lucy is very isolated in this superficially tranquil domestic setting, separated from friends, far from her mother, dependent on Philip, and not even entirely fluent in German.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
  • The Orangery, one of nearly a dozen gardens, provides an exotic and tranquil refuge to recovery from the adrenaline.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Biltmore is polished, quiet, and—despite its size—manages not to feel at all intimidating.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
  • My occupations have given me a happy, humble, quiet life, but always nagging in the back of my mind has been a case of impostor syndrome.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • The proof was in my Oura ring sleep score—96% and optimal restfulness.
    Brianna Peters, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
  • But restfulness dropped—my body noticed the break.
    Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Weaving between Bon Iver features and electronic experimentation, the Minnesota musician and actor’s new album sounds a note of community and composure in a tumultuous world.
    Nia Coats, Pitchfork, 18 May 2026
  • Manor, meanwhile, kept his composure.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Instead, the seductive peacefulness of the house brought to her mind the contemplative sets in the BBC adaptation of Wolf Hall.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • The peacefulness of the nature around them helps make the war feel distant — the clouds rolling across the green hills, the bleating of their neighbor's goats at sunset.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Your calm precision can keep the whole plan from wobbling.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
  • The outset of war finds her wary yet calm, and our knowledge of her composure under siege means that all following emotional displays shake us like miniature earthquakes.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Brooks told Fox News Digital that approximately 750 men attended the gathering, where community members committed to maintaining the neighborhood as a peaceful environment for families and children.
    Greg Wehner , Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
  • Not high up in the clouds, but down into my body, a much more peaceful place than my brain.
    Blake Crisses, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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