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
That calm demeanor and preparedness is paying off with his sudden increase in playing time. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Creative interior spaces include sunrooms for reading, a dark room for calm reflection, an art and science lab, a café, and both indoor and outdoor gardens, which include an impressive living wall. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
The bags can help restore a sense of calm and provide familiar, predictable tools that are easy to access. — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 24 Aug. 2026 When there’s negative space, there’s an instant sense of calm that helps the room feel more intentional, even if the overall design is more layered and eclectic. — Amanda Sims, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
It is made with 96% snail secretion filtrate, a humectant-rich ingredient known for calming irritation, fading post-acne marks and supporting skin repair. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026 Nestled in nature, each of the 36 guest rooms embraces local craftsmanship with wood furnishings; soft lighting has a calming effect. — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 25 Aug. 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
  • Industry sources said Pemsel’s exit has been planned for some time, and that the BFC has already been running a quiet, monthslong search for his successor.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 The private thought looping in the background may need a quiet place to land.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Many of the victims were young, and many were farmers who had lived in what was once considered one of the most serene and safest areas of the region, which includes metropolitan Port-au-Prince.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
  • There’s no unwinding in the serene nature and crisp German air of Baden-Baden, the historic town long associated with restorative living, and that seamless discretion is entirely the point.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of serene
Adjective
  • Her biggest concern is that creating an academy modeled after the military service academies would conflate what NASA does—the peaceful, civil exploration of space—with military activities undertaken by the US Space Force.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Indigenous leaders played a prominent role in protests demanding the resignation of Porras and the peaceful transfer of power to Arévalo.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 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
  • July 31 2026 A 60-day ceasefire to allow for peace talks expires with no new deal in place.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The overwater bungalows are pretty special, hovering over lapping waves where guests can stay in total peace and solitude.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of peace
Verb
  • There might be a best practice emerging with general rules to live by, but the exact products and ingredients that trigger or soothe your skin will be highly individualized.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • And many people feel a teaspoon of honey or perhaps tea with honey can soothe a scratchy throat.
    — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of soothe
Verb
  • The filing says a witness reported seeing a gray GMC Denali towing a box trailer containing people, including children.
    — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Hugging Face’s, meanwhile, is a few pages shorter but contains specific lines of code and evidence from its systems about what happened.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 26 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on calm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calm

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