calm 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of calmnext
1
as in quiet
free from storms or physical disturbance after a stormy night of high winds and driving rains, the day dawned on a calm sea

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2
as in serene
free from emotional or mental agitation bystanders tried to help the injured person remain calm while they waited for the ambulance to arrive

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3
as in peaceful
free from disturbing noise or uproar the room became much calmer once the rowdy tour group had left

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calm

2 of 3

noun

ˈkäm How to pronounce calm (audio)
1
as in restfulness
a state of freedom from storm or disturbance vacationing city dwellers who are tired of the hustle and bustle enjoy the calm of the secluded mountain village

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2
as in peace
freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions the batter always exudes an aura of calm, even in clutch situations

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calm

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to soothe
to free from distress or disturbance the president's reassuring words did much to calm the public during the national emergency

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2
as in to contain
to gain emotional or mental control of he calmed himself before continuing the eulogy

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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
As there isn’t a scarcity of space and resources, everyone onboard is calmer, kinder—civility returns to the sky. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026 The idea isn’t to wall the kitchen back off but to declutter it, giving everyday clutter a place to disappear so the room looks calmer and more polished. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
By Sunday, calm had returned to the luxury shopping areas, with stores open again after closing late Saturday afternoon in response to the vandalism. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2026 What was a place intended to find rural calm is now, thanks to Can Ferrereta, an essential spot where a five-star service is finally put on the map. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
There’s a tranquil adults-only atmosphere here, soundtracked by calming music and decorated with figurative wooden and golden statues by local sculptors Aron Demetz and Peter Senoner. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 Gray also expects initial public offerings to resume once the market and geopolitical situation calms a bit. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
  1. quiet
  2. serene
  3. peaceful
  4. restfulness
  5. peace
  6. soothe
  7. contain
  8. tranquil
Adjective
  • After a quiet day otherwise, Riley exploded for 33- and 72-yard rushing touchdowns to finish as the game’s leading rusher with 128 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
  • But following intense backlash to the 2024 anti-war protests, some students, faculty and external observers say campuses have become uncharacteristically quiet.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • On his latest solo album, the Tonstartssbandht guitarist/vocalist crafts a serene, psychedelic opus that invites us to become immersed.
    — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • On the bottom level, a soundproof movie theater and 1,000-bottle wine cellar join a wellness wing with a gym, sauna, and serene rock waterfall.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of serene
Adjective
  • But this month, the most violent demonstrations in years — and tough policing — have raised concern about riots overshadowing hundreds of thousands of peaceful demonstrators marching against rising living costs and poor conditions in schools.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • As for the suites, the highlight is their private terraces, peaceful havens from which to admire, paradoxically, the urban whirlwind swirling below.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of peaceful
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
Definition of restfulness
Noun
  • Witkoff's latest round of shuttle diplomacy comes amid intensifying White House pressure on Zelenskyy to make concessions to secure a peace deal with Moscow.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Kremlin would be ready to resume trilateral Russia-US-Ukraine peace talks after mid-November, at the request of US special envoy Steve Witkoff who met with Putin for around three hours Wednesday.
    — Arina Porkhovnik, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of peace
Verb
  • The hay sauna was a real standout—its subtly sweet scent is both soothing and restorative, said to ease inflammation and relax muscles.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Today’s recipe Creamy, sweet dates soothe out the lemon in these bars, while the tart lemon brightens up the dates.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of soothe
Verb
  • Shauf quit drinking in 2020, and while The Party contains its fair share of drunken regret, alcohol is a more central subject on the afterparty’s other two outtakes.
    — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The medical response has focused largely on treating and containing the disease, with little to no attention to the mental health of those affected.
    — Constant Same Bagalwa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of contain
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

Phrases Containing calm

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callusing
calm
calm (down)
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Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on calm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calm

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