PLACID Synonyms: 169 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'placid' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of placid are calm , peaceful , serene , and tranquil . While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency. // remained placid despite the criticism

Q: When is it sensible to use 'calm' instead of 'placid'?

The synonyms calm and placid are sometimes interchangeable, but calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence. // the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

Q: In what contexts can 'peaceful' take the place of 'placid'?

The meanings of peaceful and placid largely overlap; however, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil. // grown peaceful in old age

Q: When is 'serene' a more appropriate choice than 'placid'?

While the synonyms serene and placid are close in meaning, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility. // watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

Q: When can 'tranquil' be used instead of 'placid'?

While in some cases nearly identical to placid , tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure. // the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

placid

adjective

ˈpla-səd

Definition of placid

as in serene

free from emotional or mental agitation an exceptionally placid mother who was rarely upset by her six children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tranquil

free from storms or physical disturbance a placid lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in quiet

free from disturbing noise or uproar a vacation in the placid lake community

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of placid are calm, peaceful, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is it sensible to use calm instead of placid?

The synonyms calm and placid are sometimes interchangeable, but calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

In what contexts can peaceful take the place of placid?

The meanings of peaceful and placid largely overlap; however, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When is serene a more appropriate choice than placid?

While the synonyms serene and placid are close in meaning, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of placid?

While in some cases nearly identical to placid, 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 placid Last year was an unusually placid one for stocks, with the biggest pullback of the year coming in at just 8.5% — well below the market’s average intra-year drawdown of 13%. —Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025 Treasury yields were also more placid in the bond market following mixed economic reports on Thursday. —Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 It's expected to be finalized in October. ELECTIONS 2024 The three lieutenant governor candidates had their first and probably only debate on Tuesday at the state fair ― a mostly placid affair with room for only a few polite political jabs. —Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Dec. 2024 The most placid foxes were selected to breed the next generation. —Lee Alan Dugatkin, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for placid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid

Adjective

Grateful Pie provides a serene and picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy delicious food and beverages.

— Ed Semmler, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
Davila had named the serene guest rooms after her siblings, nieces and nephews — The Tito, fashioned after youngest brother Tito who likes to fix things, had a saw, hammer, wrenches and other tools on a wall and a bicycle holding up the bathroom vanity.

— Norma Meyer, Orange County Register, 12 Mar. 2025