calm 1 of 3

1
2
3

calm

2 of 3

noun

calm

3 of 3

verb

Try This Instead

For
Try This
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
Calm Tech’s certification process One of Calm Tech Institute's primary functions is certifying gadgets as calm tech. ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025 It's also infused with prebiotic oats, which support healthy skin and calm irritations like eczema. Laura Lu, Parents, 22 May 2025
Noun
The calm of a sunny day took a chaotic and comedic turn in a now-viral video capturing how a runaway inflatable pool float returned from the sky to its owner. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025 About half the candidates make the cut after interviewing, slinging a bale of hay and displaying calm with horses. Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 27 May 2025
Verb
And as the Fever made a late run in Tuesday’s game against Atlanta, Griner helped calm her teammates on the bench and on defense. Ben Pickman, New York Times, 22 May 2025 As her life begins to calm, Hurricane Maríahits Puerto Rico and Jeannette is thrown back into crisis mode. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • The drama division had been relatively quiet for a period but suddenly found its stride in the past year with a string of buzzy commissions that will now mostly air under new leadership.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 June 2025
  • The home of about 400 year-round residents, who include fishermen and lobstermen, it’s long been a haven for those seeking peace, quiet and an escape from the heat, a world away from Portland.
    Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • At the Cowboy Carter concert at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Thursday (May 15), the serene moment was interrupted — at least for Blue, who realized the earring in her right ear was caught in Beyoncé’s hair.
    Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 17 May 2025
  • People who responded to the survey said the Morro Bay campsite was serene and dog-friendly, while also being close to town and nature walks.
    Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • The attack took place during a peaceful weekly gathering of individuals, walking together to demonstrate solidarity with hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas and to call for their release.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 2 June 2025
  • How peaceful that Nvidia is trying to expand in China.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Kyiv’s goal remains to secure a cease-fire first, before moving on to negotiations for a broader peace deal.
    Constant Méheut, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • What to pack: Bose QuietComfort Noise-canceling Headphones Looking to invest in real peace and quiet?
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Blue hues ranging from cobalt to periwinkle flow through the home, while touches of gray continues the soothing palette.
    Shannon Sharpe, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
  • Think notes of florals, Italian citrus fruit, and a soothing blend of musky notes that aren't overpowering, just delightful.
    Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Choose products with humectants: When looking for products to maintain your hair's moisture, select those that contain humectants, which are substances that attract and hold water to hydrate the hair.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 May 2025
  • But decades of poor water management, which have dried up lakes, rivers, and wetlands that once helped contain these storms, have turned sand and dust storms into a pressing challenge for the region, with many consequences.
    Sanam Mahoozi, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Often overlooked by its more popular neighboring regions in Spain, Extremadura offers a tranquil getaway that goes beyond the typical tourist trail.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
  • The design of all suites on the property emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with tranquil views and tropical foliage.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Prince Harry arrived at the Court of Appeal about an hour ahead of the hearing, appearing calm and composed.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Mexican side looked more composed in the second half, creating more scoring opportunities, especially after Sarah Luebbert (former Chicago Red Stars and University of Missouri standout) came on as a substitute and threatened Gotham’s defense.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on calm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!