PLACID Synonyms: 169 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

placid

adjective

ˈpla-səd

Definition of placid next

as in serene

free from emotional or mental agitation an exceptionally placid mother who was rarely upset by her six children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tranquil

free from storms or physical disturbance a placid lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in quiet

free from disturbing noise or uproar a vacation in the placid lake community

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Specifically, the ups and downs—the building booms and busts, the trendy neighborhoods turned ghostly blocks, the placid stretches to violent storms—of South Florida. —

Nick Remsen, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2024 The image is a cousin of Sister Hannah’s basket, too, an apocalypse as placid as an afternoon of apple picking. —

Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024 Mary and the chubby infant are enveloped within the contour of a protective royal blue cloak, safe even from the seemingly placid world of nature unfolding behind them. —

Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2024 As if a world so placid and unresponsive could excite only the opposite sensations in him. —

Greg Jackson, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for placid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid

Adjective

Located on the state’s southeastern coast, just 30 minutes north of glitzy West Palm Beach, Jupiter enjoys a slower, more serene pace that’s perfect for lazy days of relaxing with a view of the water.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025
The effect is often serene and soothing, even when busy, stuttering electronic beats occasionally enter the mix.

— Al Shipley, SPIN, 22 Jan. 2025