tranquil

adjective

tran·​quil ˈtraŋ-kwəl How to pronounce tranquil (audio)
ˈtran-
1
a
: free from agitation of mind or spirit
a tranquil self-assurance
b
: free from disturbance or turmoil
a tranquil scene
2
: unvarying in aspect : steady, stable
tranquilly adverb
tranquilness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for tranquil

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 tranquil in a Sentence

the house was once again tranquil after the kids moved outside to play though she should have been upset, she felt oddly tranquil upon learning that she would not be receiving the scholarship
Recent Examples on the Web Rancho Los Alamitos rose garden Located in Long Beach, Rancho’s four acres include sprawling gardens for cacti and native plants, but roses have a particularly tranquil position on a tiled terrace in the garden. Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2024 With a view overlooking a large, tranquil pond surrounded by vegetation. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 23 May 2024 Suddenly, the seemingly tranquil façade of his village begins to show its cracks, as Adi finds himself at odds with the customs and mores of his community. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 17 May 2024 Editors’ Picks 9 Tips to Stretch Your Food Budget Image In many ways, the first few decades of the 20th century make our present moment, in the United States at least, look tranquil by comparison. Steven Johnson, New York Times, 17 May 2024 The Well Spa & Hotel The Well Spa & Hotel provides a holistic approach to health — meaning uniform bathing suits and gowns, a zero-digital policy in restaurants and communal areas, excellent menus, relaxing treatments, and a decidedly tranquil feel in the stunning sculpture garden. Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2024 Colorful yet not overwhelming, the house feels liveable and connected to the city while still retaining a tranquil vibe. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 15 May 2024 An adorable ice cream and churro shop is just a skip away from one of the resort’s nine pools, each offering its own unique ambiance, from a tranquil oasis for the adults to a lively hub for the whole family. Anna Tingley, Variety, 7 May 2024 Families love the log cabins, canvas cottages, and yurts with Scandi-style interiors; the tranquil main lodge is adults-only. Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tranquil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tranquill, from Latin tranquillus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tranquil was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near tranquil

Cite this Entry

“Tranquil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tranquil. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

tranquil

adjective
tran·​quil ˈtraŋ-kwəl How to pronounce tranquil (audio)
ˈtran-
: free from disturbance or turmoil : quiet
tranquilly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on tranquil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!