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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 And for ultimate relaxation, the spa offers a tranquil oasis amid the city’s vibrant energy. Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 Their outwardly tranquil and faithful domestic life exploded that winter. Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025 With items like party wings tossed in a Georgia peach and habanero sauce and juicy roasted hen with collard greens paired with timely tipples such as The First Snow (spiced rum, hazelnut liqueur, double spiced chai tea, cinnamon and heavy cream), travel day is downright tranquil. Demarco Williams, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 Many of Malta’s countless attractions are best appreciated in the mild and tranquil winter months. Panorama Media Ltd., Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tranquil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • After a period of quiet, Adultery is Poison Pen’s debut commission.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
  • While a flurry of trades and new contracts marked an early start to free agency this week, the Chargers have stayed quiet.
    Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
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
Adjective
  • The Department of Homeland Security's lawless decision to arrest him solely because of his peaceful anti-genocide activism represents a blatant attack on the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech, immigration laws, and the very humanity of Palestinians.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
  • This boutique property offers it all—four-poster beds, roaring fireplaces, and plenty of mature gardens for peaceful afternoon strolls.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The track, produced by Blake Slatkin and longtime Lizzo collaborator Ricky Reed, is a placid Strokes-y thumper whose riff periodically breaks free from its cage during a chorus that kicks the aughts-rock shtick back a few decades into roadhouse territory.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
  • In the show’s first two seasons, Laura’s murder broke open a placid American town—much as a severed ear, in Lynch’s 1986 film, Blue Velvet, famously undermined middle America’s saintly image of itself.
    K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The calm, shallow waters of Holbox provide the ideal setting for this deeply relaxing, transformative activity.
    Rana Good, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Spend your days hiking to Tahquitz Falls or strolling the calm trails within the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation.
    Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Vatican reported that the 88-year-old pontiff had another restful night at Rome's Gemelli hospital and was recuperating Thursday morning.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • This will significantly reduce blue light exposure, allowing your brain to unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
    Janice Marturano, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Unexpected challenges, such as economic disruptions or global crises, require leaders to remain composed and responsive.
    Dr. Sharon H. Porter, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The 17-year-old, composed and well prepared, rattled off data about the need for youth involvement in civic decision-making.
    Mará Rose Williams, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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