1
2
3

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 Many hot springs throughout the U.S. are accompanied by luxurious resorts for a tranquil trip. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 25 Nov. 2024 Zhang Xun/Getty Tokyo, Japan (AQI: 28) Go for: The tranquil beauty of the Meiji Shrine surrounded by lush forest, the vibrant neighborhoods of Shibuya and Shinjuku, and panoramic views from the Tokyo Tower. Karina Acharya, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Nov. 2024 Some, including former Journal Sentinel art critic Jim Auer, lauded the tranquil glimpse of nature over the bustling, industrial freeway. Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2024 Residents of the small and tranquil beach community of Carmel-by-the-Sea were rattled Friday afternoon when a man armed with an assault weapon was shot and killed by police after being spotted strolling through the streets, according to news reports. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tranquil 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tranquil
Adjective
  • His quiet home in Tupelo, Mississippi was raided by dozens of vehicles of police and federal investigators, and Curtis was arrested for an unthinkable crime: Sending letters to government officials, including President Barack Obama, that were laced with ricin, a lethal poison.
    Barry Levitt, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024
  • These cabins are slightly away from the main lodge, providing a quiet getaway for guests looking to enjoy nature.
    Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • These healthy habits also help optimize the bedtime routine by eliminating stimulation and creating structure, which can help mitigate overwhelm and prepare you for a more serene morning.
    Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The only team with double figures of wins this season is Liverpool, who have stood out as a model of relatively serene stability, while most of those beneath them have thrashed about like fish on the deck of a ship.
    Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The United Nations as Leviathan: Global Governance in the Post-American World Rich argues that the United Nations is the only body capable of generating a peaceful and cooperative order in the emerging post-American world.
    Kal Raustiala, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The peaceful gathering quickly escalated into violent clashes as protesters and officers engaged in running altercations through the city's streets.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Specifically, the ups and downs—the building booms and busts, the trendy neighborhoods turned ghostly blocks, the placid stretches to violent storms—of South Florida.
    Nick Remsen, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2024
  • The image is a cousin of Sister Hannah’s basket, too, an apocalypse as placid as an afternoon of apple picking.
    Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The show’s continuing appeal hinges largely on Guralnik; her calm demeanor and sharp analytical framing guide the participants (and the audience) toward astute insights about their relationship patterns.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Children who used to be violent have become calmer, and violence against children has significantly decreased.
    Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock, Sound Machine, Smart Light Buy Now On Amazon $169.99 With this new, smart Hatch Restore 2 Alarm Clock, say goodbye to grogginess and hello to restful sleep that will power a busy day.
    Carina Brackett, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024
  • The mineral is involved in over 300 functions of the body and contributes to everything from restful sleep to heart health to a strong immune system.
    Ana Morales, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • 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
  • Every scouting report starts with how to contain the 6-foot-7 post, who has become more composed, stronger and better conditioned as a junior.
    Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near tranquil

Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tranquil. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on tranquil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!