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calm

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noun

calm

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verb

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a calm demeanor
a cool demeanor
a placid demeanor
a tranquil demeanor
a peaceful demeanor
a relaxed demeanor
calm determination
quiet determination
cool determination
stoic determination
placid determination
tranquil determination
calm dignity
quiet dignity
serene dignity
tranquil dignity
placid dignity
gentle dignity
calm wind
gentle wind
soft wind
mild wind
light wind

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of calm are peaceful, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words 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

When is peaceful a more appropriate choice than calm?

In some situations, the words peaceful and calm are roughly equivalent. However, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When might placid be a better fit than calm?

The words placid and calm can be used in similar contexts, but placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When would serene be a good substitute for calm?

Although the words serene and calm have much in common, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of calm?

The synonyms tranquil and calm are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 calm
Adjective
This superstar legume is said to provide a sense of calm, regulate hormones, strengthen the immune system, aid memory, and have positive skin benefits. Alessandra Signorelli, Glamour, 21 July 2025 Long walks, plushy toys, and calm dog friends seem to bring him lots of joy. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Noun
Southwest winds of around 7 mph become west in the afternoon before south winds of 5 mph calm in the evening. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 July 2025 An oasis of calm with sweeping views of the Renaissance Center, the Detroit River and Windsor, the roof is off-limits to most — with just about ten keys that grant access. Violet Ikonomova, Freep.com, 17 July 2025
Verb
Swiping this across each finger has become a calming ritual that has completely transformed my nails. Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 18 July 2025 Good sleep still starts with strong habits; maintain a regular bedtime, limit screen time, and create a calming environment for optimal results. Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • Sure, Texas has plenty of sleepy towns, dusty ranchland and quiet downtowns that rarely see a crowd.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
  • This gives players a chance to play out some tender, quiet scenes in between the blades and the blood. iHunt Oftentimes, demon hunters are part of secretive organizations or bloodlines with thousand year histories.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • But Mitchell is based in the altogether more serene surroundings of Ealing, west London, in the same studio that brings SailGP to our TV screens.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • Her name whispers of gentle waves, depth and a soothing light, a haven bright and serene, wild as the sea.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • The space can be used as a peaceful private office, a crafting studio, or a gardening space replete with a potting bench.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 20 July 2025
  • And the happier, peaceful times far outweigh the difficult ones.
    EW.com, EW.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • Despite violating the peace attempts in March and April, the United States did not respond to its ultimatums issued to Russia.
    Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Thank you for the willingness to support Ukraine and to continue working together to stop the killings and establish a lasting and just peace.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • One 2013 study found that the sound of waves relaxed people more than soothing music, so perhaps that is what’s having an effect.
    Daisy Jones, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Bathed in soothing grey tones, the 190 guest rooms and suites are configured with an open layout and oversized ceiling-to-floor windows.
    Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Her rental car, containing her suitcase and all of her belongings, is towed.
    Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 25 July 2025
  • This post contains minor spoilers for Happy Gilmore 2. Nearly 30 years ago, Christopher McDonald left an indelible mark on pop culture with his performance as smarmy professional golfer Shooter McGavin in the 1996 sports comedy classic Happy Gilmore.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • The tranquil space is great for catching glimpses of the tall, hoofed residents or simply unwinding.
    DeMarco Williams, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
  • Fallingwater, in Pennsylvania’s hilly Laurel Highlands, is perched above a tranquil waterfall and was built with locally quarried sandstone.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Krypto maintains the decidedly unruly nature of the dog upon which he is based, a funny foil to Superman’s (played by David Corenswet) kind and composed comportment.
    Dan Heching, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
  • Despite suffering from a severe injury at 13,800 feet, the climber remained responsive and composed.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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