PEACEFUL Synonyms: 235 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'peaceful' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of peaceful are calm , placid , serene , and tranquil . While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil. // grown peaceful in old age

Q: In what contexts can 'calm' take the place of 'peaceful'?

The synonyms calm and peaceful 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: When could 'placid' be used to replace 'peaceful'?

In some situations, the words placid and peaceful are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'peaceful'?

The words serene and peaceful can be used in similar contexts, but serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility. // watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

Q: When can 'tranquil' be used instead of 'peaceful'?

Although the words tranquil and peaceful have much in common, tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure. // the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

peaceful

adjective

ˈpēs-fəl

Definition of peaceful

as in pacific

inclined to live in peace and to avoid war a peaceful tribe that had quietly inhabited these shores for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nonviolent

not involving violence or force UN officials struggled to find a peaceful solution to the troublesome conflict

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in quiet

free from disturbing noise or uproar a peaceful house, now that the kids are all grown and departed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tranquil

free from storms or physical disturbance a peaceful lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in serene

free from emotional or mental agitation the patient is peaceful and resting comfortably

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of peaceful are calm, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

In what contexts can calm take the place of peaceful?

The synonyms calm and peaceful 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

When could placid be used to replace peaceful?

In some situations, the words placid and peaceful are roughly equivalent. However, 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 peaceful?

The words serene and peaceful can be used in similar contexts, but serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of peaceful?

Although the words tranquil and peaceful have much in common, 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 peaceful Families can enjoy the tributary and take in the fall foliage at spots like peaceful Wild River State Park and Interstate State Park, which offers clifftop views of the river. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Gangs killed at least 47 people during the attack late Sunday on Kenscoff, a once-peaceful farming community nestled in the hills above Haiti's capital. — Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026 The 200-room property is a short walk from some of the city's historic treasures, but it's surrounded by peaceful gardens, a resort pool, and outdoor terraces for drinking and dining. — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026 And the sleek, modern rooms and peaceful rooftop terrace—ideal for soaking in the underrated Italian city—give the hotel a competitive edge. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for peaceful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for peaceful

Adjective

National Aquarium cams The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, operates a series of cameras of marine animals, including reef sharks, jellyfish and fish in a Pacific coral reef.

— Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 1 June 2026
These conditions tend to suppress Atlantic hurricane development, whereas the eastern and central Pacific hurricane seasons are typically more active during strong El Niño events.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026

Definition of pacific

Adjective

The movement is widely considered to be an artistic precursor to the modern BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement promoting nonviolent resistance to Israeli occupation.

— News Desk, Artforum, 28 Aug. 2026
Woody, 44, is not believed to be armed or dangerous and was in custody on nonviolent charges, deputies said.

— Brandon Downs, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of nonviolent

Adjective

Staying upstairs is the quiet advantage with no lines, just an elevator ride to a nightcap under all that light.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Margot has left her field, and has moved to Hungary with her equestrian husband Sam (Rupert Friend), an uprooting that manifests as quiet disconnects between them.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of quiet

Adjective

Bedrooms are tranquil and restorative, with clean lines, balconies, and mountain views that create a sense of space.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Located right across the water from Miami, Key Biscayne is filled with tranquil experiences in nature, delicious dining options with incredible views of the water, and even a little bit of history to explore.

— Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 13 June 2026

Definition of tranquil

Adjective

There are also less busy sites nearby including Hannya-ji Temple, a serene haven known for its sea of cosmos flowers and Japan’s tallest stone pagoda.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
Drive a little over two hours from Toronto, and you’ll be transported from the hustle and bustle of the city to a serene wonderland shaped by the ancient rock of the Canadian Shield, thick pine forests, and lakes—a lot of lakes.

— Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of serene

Adjective

The original short centered on a young Russian artist who secretly replaced food labels in a Moscow supermarket with pacifist messages, an act that ultimately led to her arrest and the threat of a 10-year prison sentence.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
In the decades since then, Japan has largely adopted a pacifist stance that disavows its imperial past.

— Mimi Hanaoka, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of pacifist

Adjective

These behaviors make having a productive discussion or peaceable relationship untenable.

— R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
With no discernable reason beyond intimidation, Hasner approved this staggering waste of taxpayer funds, stifling the First Amendment right of peaceable assembly.

— Karen J. Leader, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026

Definition of peaceable

Adjective

Settle in for a restful night’s sleep before heading out for another adventure along the Oregon coast.

— Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
Tart cherries are also rich in anthocyanins, plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce muscle soreness and support more restful sleep.

— Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of restful

Cite this Entry

Style

“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peaceful. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of peaceful

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