Definition of serenenext
1
2
3

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 Three guests can comfortably fill this charming house thanks to an additional bedroom with a removable futon, but it’s probably best suited for a duo looking to escape on a romantic getaway due to its sleek fixtures and serene atmosphere. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2026 The golden-hour snap captured a serene moment of reflection. Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026 Allora offers three-, four- and five-course tasting menus ($99-$159) in its serene dining room. Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026 To encompass the story, about a miracle from 847, when Pope Leo IV stopped a fire with a blessing, Raphael brings you into the fresco through the unshod feet of a woman in agony and leaves you near the very back, with a tiny and serene Leo IV. Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for serene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serene
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
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
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • McIlroy overcame some early inconsistency to put together a composed round, while Burns leaned on excellent ball-striking to match him at the top.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Before Tuesday night, Konate had looked much more composed and commanding.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The name hums with nostalgia, and includes a placid nod to those coal-mining towns where people were paid in company scrip.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
  • For almost 60 years, this was one of the city's least inviting landmarks, with increasingly stringent security deterring even the most placid of curious onlookers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • By using an infrared sauna before bed, users can calm their body and mind and improve restful sleep.
    Mitti Hicks, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Hotel Posada San Juan On the Parque San Juan, close to the Museo de Ropa Étnica de México (MUREM), the 16-key Hotel Posada San Juan provides guests with quiet, restful nights and easy access to the busy Centro Histórico.
    Regina Zumarraga, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This style appeals for its timeless charm and ability to feel collected and lived-in over time.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 2026
  • For one, Palestine by Joe Sacco, which found its way onto academic syllabi before gaining steam as a collected volume of graphic reporting.
    Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Serene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serene. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on serene

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster