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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 This public beach is surrounded by water on all sides and features a cove with placid waters that are great for wading. Tykesha Spivey Burton, Southern Living, 4 May 2025 The Dalarna region is Sweden at its best, with dense forests speckling the landscape, a web of foot trails, dramatic waterfalls, gentle slopes for hiking and skiing, and placid lakes, including one of the country’s largest, Lake Siljan. Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 1 May 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 Her face is placid and grateful, set in ecstasy or prayer. Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for placid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
Adjective
  • Thank goodness the architects of the serene Richelieu wing of the Louvre understood that the most elegant way to experience the outdoors is from inside.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
  • To continue on this casita’s theme of relaxation, there’s also a huge outdoor tub where guests can enjoy a serene soak, watching the stars turn above the hilly landscape.
    Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Often overlooked by its more popular neighboring regions in Spain, Extremadura offers a tranquil getaway that goes beyond the typical tourist trail.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
  • The design of all suites on the property emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with tranquil views and tropical foliage.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The drama division had been relatively quiet for a period but suddenly found its stride in the past year with a string of buzzy commissions that will now mostly air under new leadership.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 June 2025
  • Head to the upper zone for solitude and quiet waters and the lower reaches for bigger cutthroats (and even some browns).
    Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Few clubs can match Newcastle for its success rate with player arrivals, and that comes from being calm and patient.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Prevent chemical drift onto non-target areas by applying herbicide only when the wind is calm; avoid application when the daytime temperature is above 80°F.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • The attack took place during a peaceful weekly gathering of individuals, walking together to demonstrate solidarity with hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas and to call for their release.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 2 June 2025
  • How peaceful that Nvidia is trying to expand in China.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Prince Harry arrived at the Court of Appeal about an hour ahead of the hearing, appearing calm and composed.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Mexican side looked more composed in the second half, creating more scoring opportunities, especially after Sarah Luebbert (former Chicago Red Stars and University of Missouri standout) came on as a substitute and threatened Gotham’s defense.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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