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
Other protests appeared more calm, with students holding signs calling out school issues such as staff shortages and overcrowded classrooms. — Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 6 Oct. 2026 Lightweight, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-approved, this silky sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum SPF 46 protection while helping calm and hydrate acne-prone or sensitive skin. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
The second, Stillpoint, aims to release and restore calm with a deep oil-free massage, along with rocking compressions, assisted stretches, and Kansa wand techniques. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026 The calm before the storm The Fever entered 2026 with championship expectations. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
The latest, directed by Julio Quintana, stars Zachary Levi and is fitfully diverting, draped with calming New Mexico scenery. — Michael Phillips, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 And nothing about the performance against the 49ers calmed last nerves. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 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
  • Residents enjoy a Jack Nicklaus Signature 18-hole golf course, miles of hiking and biking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, and endless opportunities on Lake Keowee, including boating, swimming, or simply quiet moments on the water.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
  • His wife Ajin, 32, sets out to win compensation but runs into a system that thrives on exploiting people and keeping them quiet.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • 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
  • The hotel itself is perched on the edge of the mountainous Arashiyama forest, a verdant expanse with a profound, serene quiet that seems to wrap around the entire property.
    — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of serene
Adjective
  • National Historical Park comprising his birth home, a peaceful rose garden, and the King Center.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • While refuting any suggestion of police repression, Lecornu condemned violence on the margins of protests, which were mostly peaceful Tuesday, despite the dramatic scenes that dominated coverage.
    — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 7 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
  • The killing of Yagi is emblematic of a decades-long issue for the people of Okinawa, gender and peace professor Kozue Akibayashi told Al Jazeera.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 7 Oct. 2026
  • After Friday's peace prize is awarded, the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences will be announced Monday.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of peace
Verb
  • Inside, the lobby is dimly lit in soothing lavender and blue and house music is piped in by surround sound.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The s and z sounds of cedar scent, soothed, breeze, petals, pads, crossed, shore, and small create a peaceful line of sound that mimics the smooth flow of a river.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of soothe
Verb
  • Another 19 shipments, containing about 119,000 gallons, were stopped at the Port of Houston.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Sound tends to be hit or miss for outdoor shows as there’s nothing to contain the noise.
    — Rashad Alexander October 7, Kansas City Star, 7 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on calm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calm

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