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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

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 placid Rose witnesses a new patient — frantic and terrified one minute, placid and dead-eyed the next — take her own life right in front of her, a haunting smile never leaving the disturbed young woman’s face. Janey Tracey, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2024 Tens of thousands of Americans moved to the area during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many choosing to settle along barrier islands like Clearwater and St. Petersburg overlooking the normally placid, emerald Gulf waters. Terry Spencer, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2024 All the rooms here, including the two-bedroom family suites, are nestled amid placid lily ponds and towering palms. Jack Tydeman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2024 In other words, in the current environment — a placid one by crypto’s volatile standards — the true believers are the ones who are holding on. Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for placid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
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
  • Beyond the fact that service excels here, the hotel, which is Coral Gables’ oldest, is an impressive yet tranquil example of Old World elegance.
    Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
  • Many hot springs throughout the U.S. are accompanied by luxurious resorts for a tranquil trip.
    Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Kendall Jenner was first thrust into the public eye 16 years ago, as the quiet, tomboyish 11-year-old younger sister on Keeping Up With the Kardashians.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2024
  • Hill had a quiet night, ending with six receptions for 83 yards, with a big chunk coming on a 30-yard reception in the fourth quarter when the game was basically over.
    Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 29 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
  • Would Germany really invade this peaceful little neutral country?
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 25 Nov. 2024
  • The motion for the election interference case was approved by Judge Tanya Chutkan, bringing to a close the prosecutorial effort to hold Trump accountable for seeking to thwart the peaceful transfer of power that culminated with his supporters storming the Capitol.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Previous seasons have highlighted how the club could do with a reliable, composed and proven goalscorer like Toney.
    Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 16 Aug. 2024
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on placid

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