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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of serene are calm, peaceful, placid, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When could calm be used to replace serene?

The meanings of calm and serene largely overlap; however, 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 serene?

While the synonyms peaceful and serene are close in meaning, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When would placid be a good substitute for serene?

Although the words placid and serene have much in common, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is it sensible to use tranquil instead of serene?

The words tranquil and serene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 serene The design blends luxe, modern amenities with traditional Polynesian aesthetics. book villas at the Brando at Hotels.com Solitude and serenity are plentiful outside the villas: Take a serene ride on bikes provided for guests to use and explore the island. Alesandra Dubin, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025 At the Cowboy Carter concert at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Thursday (May 15), the serene moment was interrupted — at least for Blue, who realized the earring in her right ear was caught in Beyoncé’s hair. Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 17 May 2025 People who responded to the survey said the Morro Bay campsite was serene and dog-friendly, while also being close to town and nature walks. Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 17 May 2025 The serene and sumptuous rooms at Patina have tatami mat daybeds plus washi paper headboards inspired by Osaka Castle’s impressive granite fortifications. Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
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
  • 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
  • Iran says its uranium enrichment program is for peaceful purposes.
    Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 14 June 2025
  • Trump wants to suppress peaceful protest and send a message that opposing him means facing the military in the streets.
    State Rep. Matt Blumenthal, Hartford Courant, 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
Adjective
  • They may be used on a placid lake, a lazy river or a backyard pool.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
  • The Neshaminy Creek, placid in calm weather, turns treacherous after heavy rains, such as those that fell on Bucks County in the days before his accident.
    JD Mullane, USA Today, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet to create an environment that supports restful sleep.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 12 June 2025
  • Cozy Cardamom Immune + Sleep product contains ashwagandha and reishi, as well as passionflower, and helps promote restful sleep.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • The tegu fossil was one of the collected specimens and was transported back to the museum in a box that sat in storage, unidentified for twenty years.
    Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 13 May 2025
  • The federal agency found that companies were working with third-party firms to process the collected customer data and tweak prices accordingly.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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