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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 Mornings began with mellow reggae and lovers rock, setting a tranquil mood for the day. Melissa Noel, Essence, 13 Feb. 2025 The drinks will also be offered at Outstanding in the Field, which will set its long table for the 10th year in a row in the tranquil hideaway of the VIP Rose Garden. Brianne Tracy, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Select from among hardy and tropical water lilies (Nymphaea) and lotus plants (Nelumbo) for a colorful, yet tranquil addition to your backyard space. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2025 Anitta says she's been listening to the tranquil soundscapes of New-age singers Krishna Das and Snatam Kaur, who are known for their Indian devotional music. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • Today By Paulina Berges Nestled within Okazaki on a quiet residential road, Shinsho-an feels more like a private home than a hotel.
    Christina Liao, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And in a culture that often asks women to go faster, do more, and present themselves perfectly, the act of cooking something small and lovely—just because—is its own quiet form of resistance.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hotel is a luxury resort located along the serene mangroves, offering a peaceful escape while still being close to the action of the downtown.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Since then, the Rockefellers have been stewards of this serene stretch of land, donating vast swaths to public use—including the park preserve and the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Together, these two pros deliver a Sunday to-do list that will hopefully create a more peaceful and efficient week ahead.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The meeting lasted about 15 minutes inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, where Francis often preached the need for a peaceful end to the war, just before Trump and Zelenskyy took their seats at the outdoor funeral service.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Damn, again, my woulda, shoulda anger steams beneath a somewhat placid exterior.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Not that the ostensibly placid 1950s that preceded the anarchic ’60s were nirvana in New York’s Theater District.
    Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Clouds will hang around most of the evening, and the low will be around 57 along with calm overnight winds.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
  • There's no magical future where everything is calm and predictable.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And the white noise provided by the 90º oscillating fans is, in Harrison’s opinion, just the low-frequency sound needed for restful sleep.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Pain, worry, or getting up to use the bathroom at night can all decrease restful sleep, causing someone to feel even more tired during the day. MCRPC Without Symptoms Not everyone with mCRPC will have symptoms right away.
    Julie Scott, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The sets had their ups and downs: some of the improvisations were gorgeous, but the more composed elements felt messy.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Stability, the ability to remain composed, consistent and dependable, especially during times of change and stress, is the bedrock of trust and the quiet strength that allows others to feel secure and focused.
    Michael McFall, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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