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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 The Kremlin’s task for 2025, then, is to maintain a placid population. Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 23 Jan. 2025 But regardless, these creatures are rummaging around right underneath the placid, straight-outta-the-Eisenhower-era surface. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for placid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
Adjective
  • After a brief moment of serene silence, a humpback whale surges up from below the frame and punches through the school of fish.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The Bulgarian, known for his serene disposition and velvet touch, ranks as the top goalscorer in sub-zero matches with nine goals — although five of these came in Manchester United’s 7-1 mauling of Blackburn Rovers in November 2010, skewing the results somewhat.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Walruses In Heartbeats of the Arctic—A Bird’s Eye View By Jose Martin Perdomo On a remote Arctic shoreline, captured from above, a group of walruses lies huddled together, their massive bodies piled side-by-side in a tranquil moment of collective repose.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The buildings are beautiful and tranquil but fundamentally incongruous (modern architecture mixed with bits of decaying monasteries, gathered from meadows in Catalonia and France).
    Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Atlanta Braves had a quiet winter that has been followed by a busy spring training.
    John Perrotto, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Dinner at Bavel, watching Liverpool play, quiet reading.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Once water has been introduced, provide the dog with treats and praise while bathing them, and remain calm and confident.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
  • For example, research at the Ivey Business School reveals that temperance (being calm, composed, patient, prudent, and self-controlled) is one of the weakest character dimensions for many people.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • King’s leadership, however, unified millions across America through peaceful protests, marches, and eloquent advocacy.
    Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Whether a studio or a four-bedroom home, the sleeper chair will fit perfectly in any space and guarantee a peaceful night’s sleep.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, research at the Ivey Business School reveals that temperance (being calm, composed, patient, prudent, and self-controlled) is one of the weakest character dimensions for many people.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Accepting the results with a composed yet sobering tone, Shyne acknowledged the democracy.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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