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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 Skeletal branches created a cathedral over the lonely vehicle where the 64-year-old man had breathed his last, the winter-gray river placid in the background behind a ramble of fences. Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2025 The fish spread downstream, populating the fast-water reaches and leaving the more placid stretches to catfish and carp, and in some places to largemouths which have been stocked from time to time but never too successfully. Arthur Grahame, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2025 Highlights ranged from a placid morning setting out on Lake Ontario to a crowded afternoon carefully crossing shipping lanes in New York Harbor. Taylor Haney, NPR, 18 June 2025 Shortly after, the placid family evening was interrupted when, prosecutors alleged, Jenkins’ brother, Jalonie, stabbed her so brutally that her trachea was split in half. Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for placid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
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 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
  • 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
  • Later, after Hankison was sentenced, The Courier Journal counted at least 10 police cruisers parked outside the courthouse, although the situation remained calm.
    Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025
  • As more people seek healing, the conversation has shifted toward calm approaches to managing intense feelings.
    Essence, Essence, 23 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
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

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

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