serene

adjective

sə-ˈrēn How to pronounce serene (audio)
Definition of serenenext
1
as in quiet
free from disturbing noise or uproar a serene vacation spot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in calm
free from emotional or mental agitation a serene woman who was everyone's source of support

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tranquil
free from storms or physical disturbance a serene lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Some at the memorial took solace in seeing so many like-minded devotees come out to the serene mountain setting to remember the avian matriarch. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Cohen lends her signature touch to the cult classic, providing whimsical, feathery vocals alongside a serene horn section. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026 In serene rooms upstairs, guests can participate in meditation and sound therapy classes, as well as workout sessions. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026 But a change of heart led them to the serene possibilities of blue. — Keith Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
  1. quiet
  2. calm
  3. tranquil
  4. peaceful
  5. composed
  6. placid
  7. restful
  8. collected
Adjective
  • Firms that know exactly where the line sits hold quiet advantages their competitors cannot purchase or replicate.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Glass admitted that as a young producer, he was intimidated by Adams and his quiet confidence.
    — Scott Detrow, NPR, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Clear skies and calm winds will help temperatures drop into the mid- to upper 30s by early Saturday, forecasters said.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Methanol masers have previously been detected in planet-forming disks around turbulent high-mass protostars, but COMPASS’ observations are the first detection of them around calmer lower-mass protostars.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of calm
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
  • The majority of protesters have been peaceful, but violence on the fringes is having an impact, with a daily menu of fireworks thrown at police and volleys of tear gas fired at high school pupils.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Anger boiling over While many of the latest demonstrations have been peaceful, anger has boiled over.
    — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of peaceful
Adjective
  • The British singer, 27, composed and co-wrote the lyrics with Bastian Langebæk and Max Wolfgang, according to the song credits on Spotify.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The Emma style, a more composed and sensible block-heel pump, is for Elinor (Edgar-Jones).
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of composed
Adjective
  • But inside the tiny shop at the western end of Atlantic Avenue, just steps from an on-ramp for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, things are placid and drama-free.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Things are more placid now—in 1929, the estate became Longshore Beach and Country Club, which was acquired by the town of Westport in 1960.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of placid
Adjective
  • The serene, restful rooms all have private balconies with Hill Country views.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Approved by frequent travelers, this portable device will effectively set your mind at ease when attempting to enjoy a restful vacation away from potential threats and unknown cameras.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of restful
Adjective
  • Data brokers legally comb the internet for such information, build profiles using the collected information, and sell those profiles to anyone who’ll pay.
    — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Paired with the Emme play table, this duo creates the kind of collected look that feels professionally layered.
    — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026
Definition of collected

Browse Nearby Words

serendipity
serene
serenely
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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