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Synonym Chooser

How is the word serene different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of serene are calm, peaceful, placid, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When could calm be used to replace serene?

The meanings of calm and serene largely overlap; 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 is peaceful a more appropriate choice than serene?

While the synonyms peaceful and serene are close in meaning, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When would placid be a good substitute for serene?

Although the words placid and serene have much in common, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is it sensible to use tranquil instead of serene?

The words tranquil and serene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 serene Due to some rather severe character flaws, their getaway is anything but serene. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 For many, the serene communal ritual of arriving at the casket’s resting place in the Rotunda offered a respite, if only for a few moments, from the anxiety of a complicated national moment, or the press of everyday concerns — or both. Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025 These were issues which could have unsettled the camp yet Chelsea’s serene progress up the Premier League table showed Maresca did not allow the huge amount of scrutiny, from the club’s fans and media alike, to do that. Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 The owner’s primary suite occupies the fourth floor, the town house’s most serene level. Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for serene 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • The work reverberates with quiet yet powerful symbolism paying tribute to Gonzalez’s deep roots in San Antonio and her significant contributions to the community.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Finns are quiet and reserved compared to, well, Americans.
    Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Southern Bridge that connects the nether end of tony Palm Beach Island to the mainland city of West Palm Beach was once a calm overpass where people strolled alongside Bentleys over the Intracoastal Waterway.
    Beth Landman, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Jan. 2025
  • While winds are calmer Saturday morning, new Fire Weather Watches have been issued for Saturday evening into Sunday as stronger Santa Ana winds return, FOX Weather reports.
    Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • After making the roughly 30-mile journey north from Tahiti, Brando found 12 small coral islets, or motus, encircling a tranquil lagoon.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Once a favorite spot for the young composer Fryderyk Chopin, this tranquil oasis invites you to pause and relax.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Dunn said he was disappointed that the Senate was unable to reach the two-thirds threshold needed to convict Trump after he was impeached by the House for his role in the Jan. 6 riots and his attempt to delay the peaceful transfer of power.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of our democracy — especially when elections do not turn in our favor.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Brooklyn native became the new IBF super lightweight champion with a composed and masterful boxing performance to defeat Liam Paro (25-1) on Saturday night in Puerto Rico.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Even as the weapon appeared to jam, the shooter remained composed, standing over Thompson and firing again before walking away, leaving behind bullet casings inscribed with messages, multiple news outlets reported.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Which were placid and rubbery, and which were meaty and juicy?
    Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
  • At that point the elephants, peaceful, placid and wise, will rise to power, and from them will rise an even greater Broadway musical.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • However, hormonal changes, especially related to the menstrual cycle, can alter this temperature regulation, causing women to need more time to reach restful sleep.
    Sofía Esquivel, Glamour, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Quality and restful sleep are essential for recovery, memory and learning, and participation in daily activities.1 Moreover, healthy sleep patterns are crucial for health because poor sleep contributes to chronic conditions.2 Diet plays an integral role in sleep.
    Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The cameras and databases of collected data are frequently used by police to search for suspects.
    Matt Burgess, WIRED, 7 Jan. 2025
  • At the fountain, the collected coins are weighed under the oversight of city police officers before Mr. Marchioni takes them to Caritas offices.
    Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near serene

Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on serene

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