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 Stay at Covered Bridge House, a serene farmhouse built by the Eli Cox family, who constructed many of the county’s bridges. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026 The expansive primary bathroom is a destination unto itself, designed as a serene retreat with two generous walk-in closets, dual showers and water closets, and a luxurious soaking tub. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Many of the victims were young, and many were farmers who had lived in what was once considered one of the most serene and safest areas of the region, which includes metropolitan Port-au-Prince. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026 Each adventure is led by experienced guides and designed to balance exhilarating physical challenge with the serene grandeur of the desert landscape. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 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
  • 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
  • Mood stabilizers influence brain receptors that release and maintain neurotransmitters, calm overactive circuits and strengthen cellular connections over time.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • As a priest, Lamb held a calm, patient and somewhat self-deprecating sense of perspective.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 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
  • Only Ann Patchett could write such a pleasant, amiable novel about death, and only a horse could serve as her essential metaphor for peaceful salvation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Set in the present day, ghosts from the past of Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) finally catch up to him, shattering his peaceful retirement in Alaska.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of peaceful
Adjective
  • Barbie’s hair choices, too, are ever so composed and elegant.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • Replacement Ryunosuke Ito, plucked from Meiji University, had a composed debut, including laying on a try for Matsunaga, who was five for five off the tee.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Definition of composed
Adjective
  • There are so few people around, and such little movement on the placid sound, being here feels like a true respite from the city just a couple hours away.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Maheu and Perreault-Magny tied up briefly in the middle of the placid river with officers from the Akwesasne nation, a Tim Hortons coffee cup riding shotgun on their console.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of placid
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
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 5 Sep. 2026.

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