Definition of peacefulnext
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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of peaceful are calm, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

In what contexts can calm take the place of peaceful?

The synonyms calm and peaceful 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

When could placid be used to replace peaceful?

In some situations, the words placid and peaceful are roughly equivalent. However, 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 peaceful?

The words serene and peaceful can be used in similar contexts, but serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of peaceful?

Although the words tranquil and peaceful have much in common, 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 peaceful But likewise, Palestinians should have a right to live in their homeland in a peaceful way. — Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026 There aren’t many such pockets of nature left in Singapore, which is a small and now heavily urbanized country, and that makes Coney Island feel all the more peaceful, like a respite and a haven of sorts. — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026 Jaku’s convictions are expected to be made clear through his peaceful demeanor. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026 Though largely peaceful, the protests have added to an already monthlong political crisis following a deadlock of over 19 months that has blocked the election of a president and led to two early elections. — Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for peaceful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peaceful
Adjective
  • National Aquarium cams The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, operates a series of cameras of marine animals, including reef sharks, jellyfish and fish in a Pacific coral reef.
    — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 1 June 2026
  • These conditions tend to suppress Atlantic hurricane development, whereas the eastern and central Pacific hurricane seasons are typically more active during strong El Niño events.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • The law, which initially took effect July 1, allows individuals convicted of other misdemeanors and some nonviolent felonies to petition the court to seal their records.
    — Liam Bowman, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Wiener has passed laws protecting net neutrality, capping prescription costs and mandating mental health parity, ending mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders, and requiring corporations disclose their greenhouse gas emissions.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • With the whizbang action long in the series’ rearview, this quiet road trip proves its emotional centerpiece, as Noah confesses both his true nature and his desire to be better — the conflict of his programming.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • As the market tries to keep the momentum going, a quiet calendar of earnings and economic reports awaits in the week ahead.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Bedrooms are tranquil and restorative, with clean lines, balconies, and mountain views that create a sense of space.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Located right across the water from Miami, Key Biscayne is filled with tranquil experiences in nature, delicious dining options with incredible views of the water, and even a little bit of history to explore.
    — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Natural light streams into the galleries, ensuring an atmosphere that's always serene and never stuffy.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Some at the memorial took solace in seeing so many like-minded devotees come out to the serene mountain setting to remember the avian matriarch.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The nonprofit running the longstanding contest announced that the bear, known for his pacifist nature, was the winner Tuesday with more than 100,000 votes, giving him a close win over Bear 910 with just over 50% of the poll.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The original short centered on a young Russian artist who secretly replaced food labels in a Moscow supermarket with pacifist messages, an act that ultimately led to her arrest and the threat of a 10-year prison sentence.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • These behaviors make having a productive discussion or peaceable relationship untenable.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
  • With no discernable reason beyond intimidation, Hasner approved this staggering waste of taxpayer funds, stifling the First Amendment right of peaceable assembly.
    — Karen J. Leader, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Approved by frequent travelers, this portable device will effectively set your mind at ease when attempting to enjoy a restful vacation away from potential threats and unknown cameras.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Be sure to grab it for your bed to get night after night of restful sleep this fall.
    — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peaceful. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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