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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

Examples 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 Native Plant Garden—a tranquil area with a glassy pool at its center, surrounded by a footbridge and wooden benches—became my go-to spot that fall. Grace McCarty, SELF, 9 Oct. 2024 The aroma of copal and fresh herbs fill the air, and there’s a tranquil sense of quiet and peace. Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 Riley writes that after a fairly tranquil decade after the divorce from Jackson, her mother began to blow things up in her life — firing virtually all of the staff that had been like friends to them, as well as cutting off actual friends… and even losing her religion. Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2024 Mischief appears to be managed at the tranquil 9.6-acre New York City gathering spot. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tranquil 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • Mikko Rantanen spoke bluntly about Nichushkin, saying the quiet part out loud.
    Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Find a quiet spot away from city lights, lay back, and enjoy the cosmos while sharing stories with friends.
    Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This four-building co-op is full of balconies, as shown in this listing photo, and surrounds a serene courtyard.
    Clio Chang, Curbed, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Finding my deer was a serene, surreal moment the first time.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Trump returns to White House for symbolic meeting President-elect Donald Trump will meet with President Joe Biden today in a symbolic White House ceremony meant to signal the peaceful transfer of power.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • The system proved incapable of punishing Trump personally for his concerted, multifaceted refusal to accept his defeat and accept a peaceful transfer of power in 2020.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • As if a world so placid and unresponsive could excite only the opposite sensations in him.
    Greg Jackson, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
  • As the slow agony of guilt chews its way through him, Justin’s world remains largely placid, if impatient.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In years where solar activity is calmer, pockets of cold air form high in the atmosphere, which results in colder winters and stronger easterly winds over northern Europe and the northern U.S..
    Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The first night was calm and he was just getting used to his new environment, but the next morning everything was different.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Its compression and massage features are designed to relax you into a restful sleep.
    Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024
  • One of its strongest features is its wind-down music, 10 minutes of calming sounds designed to get us into a more restful state.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • This leader knows when to lean in, signaling approachability, and when to maintain a composed silence, showcasing quiet confidence.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Stay composed and resilient with empathy, which should help ease tension in the room.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near tranquil

Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on tranquil

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