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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 Wailea Beach, Hawai’i Set between lava outcroppings and luxury resorts, Wailea Beach offers a polished slice of Maui that still manages to feel serene. AFAR Media, 14 July 2025 Finally, the third gallery room attempts to project a cooler, more verdant future with walls colored a serene green hue. Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025 In between, are patio tables with umbrellas and other shady spots to sit for a while and take in the serene surroundings. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025 Outside, a small deck overlooks rolling farmland, and the surrounding Owyhee Mountains create a serene, quintessentially Idaho backdrop. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • Accessible only by boat, the island features quiet trails, pebble beaches, and one campsite on the north end.
    Katherine Lawless, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
  • At least the Cubs can take heart knowing the 64-44 Brewers, their chief rival in the NL Central, also stayed quiet.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Later, after Hankison was sentenced, The Courier Journal counted at least 10 police cruisers parked outside the courthouse, although the situation remained calm.
    Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025
  • As more people seek healing, the conversation has shifted toward calm approaches to managing intense feelings.
    Essence, Essence, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Explore camping, great outdoors at area parks The Tawas area features opportunities for outdoor exploration at state and local parks and beyond. Area trails, including along the Lake Huron shoreline, offer a tranquil environment to walk, hike or bike.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
  • Just as the fish rise to the surface when the water is calm, your best ideas may surface when your mind is tranquil and wandering during an evening shower.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The garden that lined the walkway between the two offered a peaceful sitting area for the first family.
    Kyler Alvord, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • This was an awesome example of a peaceful gathering, celebrating our free speech without interfering with automobile or pedestrian traffic.
    Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet for all the nerves, there is great pride in Yoro’s calm and composed performances, which have quickly taken him to the top.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 20 May 2025
  • Krypto maintains the decidedly unruly nature of the dog upon which he is based, a funny foil to Superman’s (played by David Corenswet) kind and composed comportment.
    Dan Heching, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Silvery birch trees dominate the foreground, while a rocky outcrop frames the aurora dancing through the sky above, which is reflected in a placid pool of water between the trunks.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 July 2025
  • As a result, the placid Guadalupe River burst its banks by upwards of 26 feet in some places, and all in the space of just 90 minutes.
    NR Editors, National Review, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Finding the right twin XL bed sheets for your mattress is an essential step toward a restful night’s sleep.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 25 July 2025
  • Blocking noise is a helpful feature for parents of napping children and night nurses who require restful sleep after their shifts.
    Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Michael Dao, director of San Jose State’s Human Rights Institute, said that based on the collected data, poverty and inequality have worsened.
    Andrew Zeng, Mercury News, 16 July 2025
  • The collected data underscored that what’s played in public places doesn’t necessarily mirror what’s on the popular playlists or radio and streaming platforms.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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