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calm

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noun

calm

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verb

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a calm demeanor
a cool demeanor
a placid demeanor
a tranquil demeanor
a peaceful demeanor
a relaxed demeanor
calm determination
quiet determination
cool determination
stoic determination
placid determination
tranquil determination
calm dignity
quiet dignity
serene dignity
tranquil dignity
placid dignity
gentle dignity
calm wind
gentle wind
soft wind
mild wind
light wind

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of calm are peaceful, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," 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 calm?

In some situations, the words peaceful and calm are roughly equivalent. However, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When might placid be a better fit than calm?

The words placid and calm can be used in similar contexts, but 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 calm?

Although the words serene and calm have much in common, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of calm?

The synonyms tranquil and calm are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 calm
Adjective
Centrally located, Janu is a calm and contemporary base from which to explore the city. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025 BlackRock, too, found that investors mostly stayed calm during the turbulence of early April. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
With tide pools below and a grassy bluff above, this serene park offers a sense of calm that’s even more powerful when shared with fewer people. Cliff Lewis, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2025 Renewed fighting shattered a ceasefire deal after two months of relative calm. Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
But a sell-off within the bond market continued into Friday despite Trump’s announcement, which initially calmed the market down. Jared Gans, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025 The 10-year Treasury yield had calmed following Trump’s U-turn on tariffs, dropping all the way back to 4.30% shortly after the release of a better-than-expected report on inflation Thursday morning. Time, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • And in a culture that often asks women to go faster, do more, and present themselves perfectly, the act of cooking something small and lovely—just because—is its own quiet form of resistance.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Today By Paulina Berges Nestled within Okazaki on a quiet residential road, Shinsho-an feels more like a private home than a hotel.
    Christina Liao, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hotel is a luxury resort located along the serene mangroves, offering a peaceful escape while still being close to the action of the downtown.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The region marks the entrance to the Kettle Moraine State Forest and is a serene backyard for residents of Milwaukee: a patchwork of wetlands, forests, and prairie land.
    Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Most demonstrations at Tesla showrooms or charging stations have been peaceful, though some incidents have involved violence, shootings and setting cars on fire.
    Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Advertisement Advertisement The principles of a free, open, and peaceful space are enshrined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which all major space powers have ratified, including the U.S., Russia, and China.
    Andrew Hanna, Time, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Don’t come over here disturbing my peace if mahogany queens aren’t your preferred type.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The annual award honors individuals who make a significant impact in promoting peace, understanding, and conflict resolution within the community, according to a news release.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • According to tradition, soaking in a hot bath infused with these therapeutic salts allows the magnesium and sulfur to penetrate the skin, soothing muscles, detoxing the body, and easing stress.
    Alice Nardiotti, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Cooling, calming, and tailor-made for sensitive skin, this mask drapes delicately across your face to deliver a serious hit of cica (Centella asiatica) and allantoin—soothing redness and dryness in minutes.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Fires were contained, and no casualties were reported.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The drinks will also be offered at Outstanding in the Field, which will set its long table for the 10th year in a row in the tranquil hideaway of the VIP Rose Garden.
    Brianne Tracy, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Select from among hardy and tropical water lilies (Nymphaea) and lotus plants (Nelumbo) for a colorful, yet tranquil addition to your backyard space.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The sets had their ups and downs: some of the improvisations were gorgeous, but the more composed elements felt messy.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Stability, the ability to remain composed, consistent and dependable, especially during times of change and stress, is the bedrock of trust and the quiet strength that allows others to feel secure and focused.
    Michael McFall, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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