Definition of serenenext
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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of serene are calm, peaceful, placid, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When could calm be used to replace serene?

The meanings of calm and serene largely overlap; however, 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 serene?

While the synonyms peaceful and serene are close in meaning, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When would placid be a good substitute for serene?

Although the words placid and serene have much in common, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is it sensible to use tranquil instead of serene?

The words tranquil and serene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 serene The Spa With several indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and a serene garden, Rockliffe can easily be described as a spa hotel. — Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2026 But a change of heart led them to the serene possibilities of blue. — Keith Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026 So how did the vast, serene plot of land near Griffin’s home that was promised to be a future park land suddenly become the future site of a hub for cloud collection and artificial intelligence? — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026 As attendees, including Ariana DeBose and Patricia Clarkson, tucked into sweet Forelle pears and a main course of Branzino, the atmosphere was decidedly more serene than the savagery witnessed earlier on stage. — Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
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
  • Alex just keeps calm, and that’s what Pascal does, more or less, throughout the movie.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The captain's uncle, Kishorbhai Machchhar, told ABC News on Friday that the family still cannot believe how Smit managed to stay so calm and focused.
    — Charlotte Gardiner, ABC News, 2 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
  • National Historical Park comprising his birth home, a peaceful rose garden, and the King Center.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • While refuting any suggestion of police repression, Lecornu condemned violence on the margins of protests, which were mostly peaceful Tuesday, despite the dramatic scenes that dominated coverage.
    — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Emma style, a more composed and sensible block-heel pump, is for Elinor (Edgar-Jones).
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • There’s the person who shows up to the executive team meeting, composed and strategic.
    — Nicole DuBois, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In that, the vinyl panel turns the 18th-century style on its head, becoming a subversive counterweight to its typically placid, pastoral energy.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The tone continues to be placid, the plunky marimba and steel drum score remains the same, and the performances only grow to feel even more remarkably lived-in as the severity of the situation clicks into place.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 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
Adjective
  • Data brokers legally comb the internet for such information, build profiles using the collected information, and sell those profiles to anyone who’ll pay.
    — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Paired with the Emme play table, this duo creates the kind of collected look that feels professionally layered.
    — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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