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 The property’s outdoor areas are tucked amongst dense foliage, providing serene pockets of resort-style living. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 19 Oct. 2026 Reinhardt’s reporting points to the overuse of grammatical structures and specific words, such as serene or careful, which LLM’s tend to use more frequently than humans. — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 Other previous winners include a school in rural Brazil, a university in Lima, Peru, and a serene hospital in a remote, flood-prone area of Bangladesh. — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026 Interiors are serene, sophisticated and incredibly spacious with vaulted ceilings, oversized beds and vast bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 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
  • 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
  • This week, curfews were imposed in some cities to help maintain calm.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
  • There’s also a level of anxiety about potential confrontations at the polls, but so far, local elections officials say things are calm.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • The British singer, 27, composed and co-wrote the lyrics with Bastian Langebæk and Max Wolfgang, according to the song credits on Spotify.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The Emma style, a more composed and sensible block-heel pump, is for Elinor (Edgar-Jones).
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of composed
Adjective
  • But this is such a placid group that there’s no real tension between the female guards and the male inmates, and therefore no new insights raised about how complicated a woman’s role in this power dynamic could be.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Despite appearances, sand tiger sharks are a placid species that don’t pose a threat to humans.
    — Asia London Palomba, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of placid
Adjective
  • Since turning forty, achieving restful sleep felt so often like too much work.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Equally restful is unstructured time on the property’s 24-acres.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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