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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

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 placid And the placid and ecumenical urge, so appealing in more serene moments, can land differently in our own. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025 Tall, silken and placid, two of his subjects — the Hon. Holland Cotter, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2025 In a rare interview with the Associated Press this week, the outgoing IOC President did acknowledge that the future might not be as placid as the lake that separates the Olympic capital of Lausanne, Switzerland, from Evian, France. Blythe Lawrence, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Canada’s Eastern Townships is networked with quiet roads that curve this way and that, passing vast vineyards and rich agricultural lands; placid, crystal clear lakes; and whitewashed churches bearing towering steeples. Jeanine Barone, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for placid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
Adjective
  • Hotel is a luxury resort located along the serene mangroves, offering a peaceful escape while still being close to the action of the downtown.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Since then, the Rockefellers have been stewards of this serene stretch of land, donating vast swaths to public use—including the park preserve and the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The drinks will also be offered at Outstanding in the Field, which will set its long table for the 10th year in a row in the tranquil hideaway of the VIP Rose Garden.
    Brianne Tracy, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Select from among hardy and tropical water lilies (Nymphaea) and lotus plants (Nelumbo) for a colorful, yet tranquil addition to your backyard space.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Today By Paulina Berges Nestled within Okazaki on a quiet residential road, Shinsho-an feels more like a private home than a hotel.
    Christina Liao, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And in a culture that often asks women to go faster, do more, and present themselves perfectly, the act of cooking something small and lovely—just because—is its own quiet form of resistance.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Clouds will hang around most of the evening, and the low will be around 57 along with calm overnight winds.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
  • There's no magical future where everything is calm and predictable.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Most demonstrations at Tesla showrooms or charging stations have been peaceful, though some incidents have involved violence, shootings and setting cars on fire.
    Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Advertisement Advertisement The principles of a free, open, and peaceful space are enshrined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which all major space powers have ratified, including the U.S., Russia, and China.
    Andrew Hanna, Time, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The sets had their ups and downs: some of the improvisations were gorgeous, but the more composed elements felt messy.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Stability, the ability to remain composed, consistent and dependable, especially during times of change and stress, is the bedrock of trust and the quiet strength that allows others to feel secure and focused.
    Michael McFall, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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