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Definition of placidnext
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placidity

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noun

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of placid are calm, peaceful, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When is it sensible to use calm instead of placid?

The synonyms calm and placid 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

In what contexts can peaceful take the place of placid?

The meanings of peaceful and placid largely overlap; however, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When is serene a more appropriate choice than placid?

While the synonyms serene and placid are close in meaning, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of placid?

While in some cases nearly identical to placid, 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 placid
Adjective
So much of her take on this artist in perpetual waiting revolves around sizing situations up, keeping cards close to vests, masking intents, letting tiny ripples in deceptively placid surfaces stand in for big displays. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026 Residents can see the low, placid water from their churches, schools and houses. Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
What comes through most vividly is the sense of forced placidity, the assembly-line-like control over life and activity this country club comes to represent. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026 Season 2 drops that air of placidity and adds spice, genuine horror and feeling to the proceedings. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for placid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for placid
Adjective
  • Located in the foothills of Uttarakhand above the pilgrimage town of Rishikesh, Ananda is a serene 100-acre oasis on the former estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal.
    Betsy Andrews, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The clip sees the pair sitting across from each other at a cement table setting in a garden with a serene view backed by a mountainscape, greenery and blue skies.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Orangery, one of nearly a dozen gardens, provides an exotic and tranquil refuge to recovery from the adrenaline.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Turning onto shady Little Road felt instantly tranquil.
    Christopher Spata, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As the Moon moves through your 12th House of Solitude, quiet preparation sharpens your thinking.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Despite a quiet start on radar, the weather is expected to turn more active later in the day.
    Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The proof was in my Oura ring sleep score—96% and optimal restfulness.
    Brianna Peters, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
  • But restfulness dropped—my body noticed the break.
    Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The Quattro system distributes power seamlessly and even on tighter downhill switchbacks, the vehicle maintained composure.
    Chris Jackson, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Mendoza wins with command, accuracy, red-zone efficiency and grown-man composure.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The peacefulness of the nature around them helps make the war feel distant — the clouds rolling across the green hills, the bleating of their neighbor's goats at sunset.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Suddenly, the peacefulness turned into total chaos as noise and motion erupted around me.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Lead with calm confidence, but keep your claims grounded.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
  • His elite pass protection and calm feet mean he can be trusted immediately to keep the quarterback clean on passing downs, while also providing a high-effort presence on special teams.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Located in the Tuscan countryside 30 minutes from Florence, the property offers plenty of space and a peaceful escape with easy access to a wealth of museums, galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.
    Jessica Puckett, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Others talk about a kind of quiet that does not feel peaceful.
    Ana Jarzin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Placid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/placid. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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