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calm 1 of 3

Definition of calmnext
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calm

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noun

calm

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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of calm are peaceful, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," 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 calm?

In some situations, the words peaceful and calm are roughly equivalent. However, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When might placid be a better fit than calm?

The words placid and calm can be used in similar contexts, but 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 calm?

Although the words serene and calm have much in common, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of calm?

The synonyms tranquil and calm are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 calm
Adjective
Afternoons here are deliciously drowsy, spent dozing in the shade, gently parting calm sea water, or gliding past craggy rock formations in a little motor-boat. Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026 Some years the battle moves to choosing members of the party’s town committee, though on Thursday night all was calm at the local Democratic caucus. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
Meanwhile, the interim government has urged calm and unity while signaling tentative engagement with Washington, including exploratory diplomatic contacts and discussions about reopening embassies. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026 Next to the hilarity of Liu and the wisdom of Glenn, Levito settles comfortably as their contrast, the youngster in their sisterhood, the calm next to their storm. Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
King Charles views her as a great asset and calming influence within the royal family. Brie Stimson , Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026 Hind’s emergency calls reach Palestine’s Red Crescent Society who attempt to calm and rescue her but they are stymied with red tape, necessary for safe passage. Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • The lightweight fabric is also quiet, so you won’t be awoken from crinkling material.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The family settled in a quiet residential street of older homes and multifamily buildings, some front porches festooned with pride flags still twinkling with holiday lights.
    Michael Biesecker, Twin Cities, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Opposite a serene Rooney Mara and a raging Claire Foy, Buckley is a lone dissenting voice in Sarah Polley’s heart-wrenching portrait of a group of women and girls in an isolated Mennonite colony who are debating how to respond to a series of brutal attacks from the men in their community.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The serene pool and hot tub area is no different, decorated with native plants and nestled into the landscape; the walls encasing the pool deck are a nearly identical hue to the surrounding mountains.
    Kristine Thomason, Outside, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The mayor called on the community to remain peaceful in the aftermath.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • But once inside, as the crackling fire quickly warms you up, there’s no better feeling after hours on the trail than dropping your backpack on the floor, taking off your boots and settling in for a few days of peaceful escape.
    The Denver Post, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The new agreement says that Ukraine’s sovereignty and its ability to defend itself are non-negotiable elements of any peace deal and warned that its self-defense is essential to its own security and wider Euro-Atlantic stability.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
  • As temperatures bottom out and ice fringes the shore, a certain peace takes over.
    Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • One cozy meal to consider is the Beijing Noodle Soup at Honey Buns Cafe II, which comes with pork, noodles and a variety of vegetables to soothe your cravings for comfort food.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
  • At the same time, hyaluronic acid—the gold standard for hydration—locks in moisture, soothes inflammation, and reduces texture, creating a soft, plump finish.
    Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Dominique could hardly contain himself in his seat.
    Mirin Fader, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Some fruit pits and seeds, like those in apples and pears, contain traces of cyanide, which is harmful to birds.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In Rian Johnson's Wake Up Dead Man, a tranquil church becomes the scene of a shocking (and seemingly impossible) murder.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025
  • The Corn Islands Flung more than 40 miles off the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua, the Corn Islands have long been spoken of by in-the-know travelers looking for a truly tranquil escape.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • More aggressive than the Tide, more physical, more composed and clearly better prepared, the Hoosiers showed zero rust after a month-long break after the Big Ten championship game.
    Paul Myerberg, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
  • But Peggy never forgot her roots; a genre-blending selector with range, she’s known for her energetic but composed sets.
    Kelly Washington, Refinery29, 22 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on calm

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