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calm

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noun

calm

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verb

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a calm demeanor
a cool demeanor
a placid demeanor
a tranquil demeanor
a peaceful demeanor
a relaxed demeanor
calm determination
quiet determination
cool determination
stoic determination
placid determination
tranquil determination
calm dignity
quiet dignity
serene dignity
tranquil dignity
placid dignity
gentle dignity
calm wind
gentle wind
soft wind
mild wind
light wind

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of calm are peaceful, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," 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 calm?

In some situations, the words peaceful and calm are roughly equivalent. However, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When might placid be a better fit than calm?

The words placid and calm can be used in similar contexts, but placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When would serene be a good substitute for calm?

Although the words serene and calm have much in common, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of calm?

The synonyms tranquil and calm are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 calm
Adjective
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 Fils gave Munar a calm, appreciative handshake and then ripped off his shirt and tossed it into the crowd. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Noun
The calm of a sunny day took a chaotic and comedic turn in a now-viral video capturing how a runaway inflatable pool float returned from the sky to its owner. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025 About half the candidates make the cut after interviewing, slinging a bale of hay and displaying calm with horses. Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 27 May 2025
Verb
But as the seconds turned into minutes and the 12-year-old from Houston continued to play, the canine cacophony began to calm as the dogs settled down. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 30 May 2025 The warmth of the rattan and cool blue palette of this space sets a calming tone that doesn't distract from the pond or the greenery. Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • The drama division had been relatively quiet for a period but suddenly found its stride in the past year with a string of buzzy commissions that will now mostly air under new leadership.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 June 2025
  • As romantic distractions fall away, the quiet also makes way for freedom.
    Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Thank goodness the architects of the serene Richelieu wing of the Louvre understood that the most elegant way to experience the outdoors is from inside.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
  • The outdoor kitchen sits beside a serene pool, which has the sense of dropping off into the greenery.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • The attack took place during a peaceful weekly gathering of individuals, walking together to demonstrate solidarity with hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas and to call for their release.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 2 June 2025
  • How peaceful that Nvidia is trying to expand in China.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • What to pack: Bose QuietComfort Noise-canceling Headphones Looking to invest in real peace and quiet?
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025
  • Kyiv’s goal remains to secure a cease-fire first, before moving on to negotiations for a broader peace deal.
    Constant Méheut, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • He was surrounded by the soothing sounds of singers Perry Como, Frank Sinatra and Placido Domingo, and the cheerful bustle of children, grandchildren, caregivers and his wife of 62 years.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
  • Think notes of florals, Italian citrus fruit, and a soothing blend of musky notes that aren't overpowering, just delightful.
    Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Yet even this minor film contains major pleasures, including Mia Threapleton’s whipcrack deadpan as Zsa-Zsa’s estranged daughter, a daffy Michael Cera as a Norwegian entomologist, and gorgeous evocation of a fictitious yet allusive Middle East.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 June 2025
  • The dust from Worlds Collide will have to settle quickly as the attention will turn to Money in the Bank as six men and six women, respectively, will look to grab the briefcase which contains a contract for a world title shot anytime, anywhere.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Often overlooked by its more popular neighboring regions in Spain, Extremadura offers a tranquil getaway that goes beyond the typical tourist trail.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
  • The design of all suites on the property emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with tranquil views and tropical foliage.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Prince Harry arrived at the Court of Appeal about an hour ahead of the hearing, appearing calm and composed.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Mexican side looked more composed in the second half, creating more scoring opportunities, especially after Sarah Luebbert (former Chicago Red Stars and University of Missouri standout) came on as a substitute and threatened Gotham’s defense.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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