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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 The ones on the property are just as tranquil as those elsewhere in the region. World Of Hyatt, AFAR Media, 10 June 2025 The tranquil space is great for catching glimpses of the tall, hoofed residents or simply unwinding. Demarco Williams, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 Fallingwater, in Pennsylvania’s hilly Laurel Highlands, is perched above a tranquil waterfall and was built with locally quarried sandstone. AFAR Media, 14 July 2025 The estate’s five acres of gardens, developed over more than a decade, recreate an outdoor haven true to the time period with vibrant blooms and tranquil pathways. ​Smooth Rapids offers a full-service outdoor experience with kayaking, camping, and dining all in one scenic riverside location. Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
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
  • But Mitchell is based in the altogether more serene surroundings of Ealing, west London, in the same studio that brings SailGP to our TV screens.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • Her name whispers of gentle waves, depth and a soothing light, a haven bright and serene, wild as the sea.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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