tranquil
Americanadjective
-
free from commotion or tumult; peaceful; quiet; calm.
a tranquil country place.
- Antonyms:
- agitated
-
free from or unaffected by disturbing emotions; unagitated; serene; placid.
a tranquil life.
adjective
Synonym Usage
See peaceful.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of tranquil
First recorded in 1595–1605; earlier tranquill, from Latin tranquillus “quiet, calm, still”
Explanation
When a place or your state of mind is peaceful, quiet and serene, it is tranquil. Like a pond with no ripples, tranquil means calm and placid. A pleasant state of mind, with nothing to agitate or cause anxiety, can also be considered tranquil. As you struggle through your yoga poses, the teacher might annoyingly exclaim how tranquil you should be feeling, and when you and your siblings bicker over every little thing, your parents are wishing the house were more tranquil.
Vocabulary lists containing tranquil
Unit 1: Telling Details
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List 5
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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 12–15
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite the mouse’s tranquil existence, she can’t help but notice the ocean creeping closer every day.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
“Exquisite and tranquil lands perfect for hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and more,” the listing said.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026
The sudden movement in an otherwise tranquil foyer was striking.
From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026
For a moment Tehran resembled a city at peace, with birdsong, joggers and tranquil views of the snow-capped Alborz mountains in the distance.
From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026
But when he drove in his golden car over the waters, the thunder of the waves sank into stillness, and tranquil peace followed his smooth-rolling wheels.
From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
