tranquil

adjective

tran·​quil ˈtraŋ-kwəl 

ˈtran-

1

a

: free from agitation of mind or spirit

a tranquil self-assurance

b

: free from disturbance or turmoil

a tranquil scene

2

: unvarying in aspect : steady, stable

tranquilly

ˈtraŋ-kwə-lē 

ˈtran-

adverb

tranquilness noun

Synonyms

• arcadian
• calm
• hushed
• peaceful
• placid
• quiet
• restful
• serene
• still
• stilly

Choose the Right Synonym for tranquil

calm, tranquil, serene, placid, peaceful 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

tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

Examples of tranquil in a Sentence

the house was once again tranquil after the kids moved outside to play

though she should have been upset, she felt oddly tranquil upon learning that she would not be receiving the scholarship

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Exposure to nature, with its subtle sounds, tranquil silence, and limited color palette calms both brain and body. —Richard E. Cytowic, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tranquill, from Latin tranquillus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

tranquil

adjective

tran·​quil ˈtraŋ-kwəl 

ˈtran-

: free from disturbance or turmoil : quiet

tranquilly

-kwə-lē 

adverb