CALM Synonyms: 310 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

calm 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of calm next

as in quiet

free from storms or physical disturbance after a stormy night of high winds and driving rains, the day dawned on a calm sea

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as in serene

free from emotional or mental agitation bystanders tried to help the injured person remain calm while they waited for the ambulance to arrive

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in peaceful

free from disturbing noise or uproar the room became much calmer once the rowdy tour group had left

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calm

2 of 3

noun

ˈkäm

as in restfulness

a state of freedom from storm or disturbance vacationing city dwellers who are tired of the hustle and bustle enjoy the calm of the secluded mountain village

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as in peace

freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions the batter always exudes an aura of calm, even in clutch situations

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calm

3 of 3

verb

as in to soothe

to free from distress or disturbance the president's reassuring words did much to calm the public during the national emergency

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as in to contain

to gain emotional or mental control of he calmed himself before continuing the eulogy

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For

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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

tranquil 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

Examples of calm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Naturally, the Doggfather busts out a calm little C-walk to add some flare to the West Coast affair before ending the set with a waving of the Olympic flag. —

Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 12 Aug. 2024 Monday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 84 and a calm wind from the west, about 5 to 8 mph in the morning. —

Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2024

Noun

Video Ad Feedback Usain Bolt continues to inspire fans 02:56 - Source: CNN For some, the challenge is in remaining calm while also being entirely focused on the task at hand. —

George Ramsay, CNN, 3 Aug. 2024 As the trial approached, a preternatural calm seemed to descend on Bamber. —

Heidi Blake, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024

Verb

Israel is also under growing international pressure to agree to a cease-fire deal that would bring an end to the bloody war in Gaza and free Israeli hostages -- in addition to calming tensions with its regional adversaries. —

Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 13 Aug. 2024 Paint color: Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore 05 of 20 Castle Cream by Magnolia Home Paint Solid neutral walls provide a calming backdrop for the variety of warm colors and patterns in this space. —

Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for calm

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Style

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.

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Last Updated: 19 Aug 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of calm

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