peaceful

adjective

peace·ful ˈpēs-fəl

Synonyms of peaceful

: peaceable sense 1

They are a peaceful people.

: untroubled by conflict, agitation, or commotion : quiet, tranquil

… the feeling … that we as neighbors could settle any disputes in peaceful fashion.—Franklin D. Roosevelt

: of or relating to a state or time of peace

… the feasibility of creating a peaceful world order.—Alan Tonelson

: devoid of violence or force

The opposing groups used peaceful tactics.

peacefully

ˈpēs-fə-lē

adverb

peacefulness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for peaceful

calm, tranquil, serene, placid, peaceful 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

tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

Examples of peaceful in a Sentence

The park is so peaceful and quiet. They settled the conflict by peaceful means. We need to find a peaceful alternative to war.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Only Ann Patchett could write such a pleasant, amiable novel about death, and only a horse could serve as her essential metaphor for peaceful salvation. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 Set in the present day, ghosts from the past of Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) finally catch up to him, shattering his peaceful retirement in Alaska. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 This is about using those moments of irritation to become more peaceful, whole, resourceful and effective leaders and human beings. — Dr. Joel M. Rothaizer, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Art and activism in Cuba In 2013, the artist began following the activism of the Ladies in White, the mothers and wives of political prisoners in Cuba, who have become a symbol of peaceful resistance to the dictatorship by processing to Sunday mass. — Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for peaceful

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of peaceful was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Peaceful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peaceful. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

peaceful

adjective

peace·ful ˈpēs-fəl

: enjoying peace and quiet

a peaceful people

: quiet entry 2 sense 1c, tranquil

a peaceful countryside

especially : not at war

: not involving violence or force

settled the conflict by peaceful means

peacefully

-fə-lē

adverb

peacefulness noun

peaceful

adjective

Synonyms of peaceful

Examples of peaceful in a Sentence

Word History

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Kids Definition

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