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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 store was creatively conceptualized and designed by a friend of the brand, Claire Pritchett, who created the feeling of a serene poolside cabana, with custom fabric paneling across the ceiling and walls, that was designed in-house. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025 One of the serene pleasures of Wendy Gordon’s daily routine was sitting on her Grove Isle balcony and watching the sun rise over Biscayne Bay, framed by Key Biscayne and the downtown skyline. Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 Hungary Hungary is home to the historic city of Budapest, situated along the serene banks of the Danube River. Jamie Davis Smith, AFAR Media, 31 Mar. 2025 The glossy images and the awe-inspiring reels on social media show serene encounters in crystal-clear waters that sell the illusion of harmony between humans and marine life. Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
Adjective
  • To that end, Rooney says that knowing when to talk and when to stay quiet is key.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Synonymous with quiet luxury, Jenni Kayne’s cropped cashmere cardigan is perfect for casual moments in beautiful places.
    Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The sulfur and salicylic acid calm things down without stripping my skin, and there’s even charcoal and bentonite clay to go even deeper and pull out gunk.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Tsunoda came into the weekend with fairly calm expectations, saying that a Q3 appearance and points return would be a good start.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Photo : The Finale Masterplan Development A tranquil powder room.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The Spa The Heavenly Spa by Westin is a tranquil space located toward the back of the resort, just a short walk or quick bike ride away.
    Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Tesla’s stock has plummeted nearly 50 percent since late December, and the EV company has become a target for both peaceful protests and violent demonstrations, including vandalism, shootings and arson attacks.
    Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025
  • In the opening scene of Season 3, Nicholas Duvernay’s character hurls expletives at a Buddha statue — encapsulating the character’s cultural ignorance while also foreshadowing how the retreat will be anything but peaceful for those seeking peace.
    Viren Naidu, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The 2021 Baylor and 2022 Kansas national championship squads were nearly entirely composed of upperclassmen, and UConn started just one freshman for each of its back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • For example, research at the Ivey Business School reveals that temperance (being calm, composed, patient, prudent, and self-controlled) is one of the weakest character dimensions for many people.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And the placid and ecumenical urge, so appealing in more serene moments, can land differently in our own.
    Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Last but not least, the bag is available in seven spring-perfect shades and patterns, including placid blue, lime green, koi orange, and a fun colorblock style, among others.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This nightly routine of slathering on aromatic oils and kneading away tension and worries, prepares the mind and body for a restful sleep.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Wellness benefits: Enhances air quality Encourages restful sleep 3.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Step 2: Near-Edge Processing Some of the collected data is moved to near-edge compute environments, such as ruggedized servers, for additional processing.
    Chhandomay Mandal, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Longtime collector and principal designer Deborah Lund curates an exceptional mix of contemporary art, midcentury pieces, and vintage lighting in her interiors, blending styles and historical influences for a collected look.
    Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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