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
Kyle is calm and cool, while Oleksandra is excited and angry. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026 After all, everybody knows that college football fans are famously calm, objective people. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
The Saturday morning calm at Catalina Island Health’s two-bed emergency room was broken just before noon, when two tourists with arm injuries burst in within minutes of one another. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Tania Conde Sterling, president of Puerto Rico's Association of Health Services Administrators, called for calm on Wednesday, saying that hospitals and other health centers are prepared for the rationing. — CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
Since then, 30-year Treasury yields rose 11 basis points and JGB yields 23 basis points, before Bessent again temporarily calmed markets following the announcement that the Treasury would more than double its long-term bond repurchases. — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026 Habity Design The Habity bedside clock looks like a familiar retro alarm clock, but inside sits a low-power e-paper screen, a speaker, and a small collection of calming sounds. — New Atlas, 18 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
  • The current resurgence of tennis necklaces reflects the rise of quiet luxury and a growing appetite for investment purchasing and dressing.
    — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Jung provides discreet, ever-changing services for powerful clients, solving problems with meticulous planning and quiet efficiency.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Along with the soon-to-open Oscar de la Renta and other high-end designer shops, Hermès will test shoppers’ willingness to spend high dollar figures at the serene North Shore shopping center.
    — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Summary Paros, a serene Cycladic island, is home to Avant Mar, a resort celebrated for its relaxed sophistication, particularly in its diverse food and beverage program.
    — Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of serene
Adjective
  • Brits and Portuguese make up the relaxed crowd, and the general vibe is peaceful and quiet.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The peaceful demonstration turned violent when the fishermen attacked the floating protesters with poles and spinning propellers, the foundation reported.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 21 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
  • The redesignation comes as the administration worked to broker peace talks between Israel and Lebanon.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • His remarks came as diplomatic efforts to revive peace talks are completely stalled, days after a 60-day memorandum of understanding to negotiate an end to the war expired.
    — NPR Staff, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of peace
Verb
  • These natural waters flow from the earth, carrying muscle-soothing minerals; soaking in them is the best way to end a day spent exploring the destination, which is a true hub for outdoor adventure.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Back in South Korea, the skin-care brand has already made a name for itself with its soothing mung bean formulas, which have racked up awards from major K-beauty platforms like Hwahae and, of course, Olive Young.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of soothe
Verb
  • The Cohen Building originally housed the Social Security Administration, an important piece of the New Deal legacy, and contains frescoes painted in the 1940s by famed artist Seymour Fogel on the entrance lobby walls, Okin said.
    — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Paul Robinson is accused of hiding a safe containing drugs and cash.
    — Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 20 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on calm

Nglish: Translation of calm for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calm

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