Definition of tranquilnext
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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of tranquil are calm, peaceful, placid, and serene. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

When is it sensible to use calm instead of tranquil?

In some situations, the words calm and tranquil are roughly equivalent. 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 could peaceful be used to replace tranquil?

The synonyms peaceful and tranquil are sometimes interchangeable, but peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When can placid be used instead of tranquil?

The meanings of placid and tranquil largely overlap; however, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is serene a more appropriate choice than tranquil?

The words serene and tranquil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

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 tranquil In the same way, the entire gallery space invites us into the thoughtful and tranquil world of Alfredo Castañeda. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026 The Corn Islands Flung more than 40 miles off the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua, the Corn Islands have long been spoken of by in-the-know travelers looking for a truly tranquil escape. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025 Off the usually tranquil shores of Arroyo and Guayanilla, beachgoers watched in disbelief as helicopters whirred and the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship, appeared from nowhere. Israel Melendez Ayala, Time, 10 Nov. 2025 From a kitchen inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design to a colorful yet tranquil Victorian bathroom, Drift Interiors + Architecture can bring any style to life. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • Frontcourt production would rely on the Brazile-Richmond-Pringle trio again, should Ewin have a second quiet performance in a row.
    Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Meghan Markle forwent her usual quiet luxury style for Old Hollywood glamour in a custom Harbison Studio dress at the annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Tina Knowles on Saturday night in Los Angeles.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For glam, Union’s pixie cut hairdo was coiffed with a modern touch, and her makeup included clean, serene details like bold brows, lightly lined eyes and a neutral lip.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • At L'Auberge de Sedona's serene spa, options include alternative treatments like chakra-balancing massages and Reiki, as well as body scrubs to make dry skin glow.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • While Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is peaceful, the West and the International Atomic Energy Agency say Tehran had an organized military program to seek the bomb up until 2003.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • While Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is peaceful, the West and the International Atomic Energy Agency say Tehran had an organized military program to seek the bomb up until 2003.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Hicks was born in 1967, grew up in the placid Chicago suburb of South Holland, studied at a seminary on the Southwest Side, spent a year in Mexico, and served in the Archdiocese of Chicago’s parishes and seminaries.
    Paul Elie, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
  • But this type of placid acceptance in the face of obvious danger isn’t unique to this ensemble.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But Vonn, whose injury history is almost as long as her résumé, looked calm during training, coach Aksel Lund Svindal said Saturday.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
  • In court, Mickey grasps at straws, trying to clear his name, and in jail, the usually calm, cool and collected attorney is struggling to stay sane.
    Pamela Avila, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But Williams’ unveiled the livery of its new car, the FW48, on Tuesday in a more hushed fashion than anticipated.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
  • The 12-track effort is full of wide, sprawling arrangements that segue from hushed and contemplative to liberated.
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Spice Beauty's Milk & Rose Collection was formulated to bring that calm, restful spa-like experience to your bathtub.
    Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Rooms are designed with soothing, neutral colors and beds that encourage restful nights, and all food and drinks (other than alcohol and zero-proof cocktails) are included in the nightly rate.
    Asonta Benetti, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Comfortable Ride: Adaptive dynamics with the optional air suspension provides a smooth and composed ride, even on rough roads and off road trails.
    Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026
  • When the center returned to Minnesota, Finch saw a player who was more composed and sure of how to use his boundless energy within the context of the game.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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