serene
1 of 2adjective
se·rene sə-ˈrēn 
1
: marked by or suggestive of utter calm and unruffled repose or quietude
a serene smile
2
a
: clear and free of storms or unpleasant change
serene skies
b
: shining bright and steady
the moon, serene in glory
Alexander Pope
Alexander Pope3
: august —used as part of a title
His Serene Highness
serenely adverb
sereneness
sə-ˈrēn-nəs
noun serene
2 of 2noun
1
archaic : a serene condition or expanse (as of sky, sea, or light)
2
archaic : serenity, tranquility
Synonyms
Adjective
- arcadian
- calm
- hushed
- peaceful
- placid
- quiet
- restful
- still
- stilly
- tranquil
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective Between the two Azorean blue belfries of Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, a serene statue of the Madonna gazes out at the harbor, cradling a small boat in her arm. Anita Diamant, National Geographic Traveler, September 2005 And Breeders' Cup day was anything but serene. The weather was … cold and often gray, with a 20-mile-an-hour headwind scouring the backstretch. Lorna Lentini, New York Times, 14 July 2002 For Ben and me, in Omaha in 1961, our lives were untroubled and serene. After six years of marriage, we seemed to have reached the happy ending to the national American Dream. Lois Mark Stalvey, The Education of a WASP, (1989) 1998 a serene woman who was everyone's source of support Noun Oft of one wide expanse had I been told / That deep-browed Homer ruled as his demesne: /Yet did I never breathe its pure serene / Till I heard Chapman speak out loud and bold: … John Keats, "On First Looking into Chapman's Homer," 1816
Anita Diamant, National Geographic Traveler, September 2005 And Breeders' Cup day was anything but serene. The weather was … cold and often gray, with a 20-mile-an-hour headwind scouring the backstretch. Lorna Lentini, New York Times, 14 July 2002 For Ben and me, in Omaha in 1961, our lives were untroubled and serene. After six years of marriage, we seemed to have reached the happy ending to the national American Dream. Lois Mark Stalvey, The Education of a WASP, (1989) 1998 a serene woman who was everyone's source of support Noun Oft of one wide expanse had I been told / That deep-browed Homer ruled as his demesne: /Yet did I never breathe its pure serene / Till I heard Chapman speak out loud and bold: … John Keats, "On First Looking into Chapman's Homer," 1816 Recent Examples on the Web Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2022 The rotunda of American Adventure can be simultaneously serene and stirring. Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 21 July 2022 The area is quiet and serene and close to many hiking trails, two tiny marinas , farmer’s markets, and more. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 15 July 2022 Sure, sliding down the sandy dunes in a game like Journey is serene and all. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 18 June 2022 Biyela is serene and measured, but there's an unmistakable sparkle in her eyes — mischief even — perceptible despite the partial pixelation. Melanie Van Zyl, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2022 In person, Cleopatra is a disarming combination of serene and unpredictable. Evan Allen, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Dec. 2021 Her studio channeled László’s sense of folly into the project—no all-white coastal clichés here—aiming for a spirited balance between serene and sophisticated, reflecting the client’s passion for wellness, travel, art, and antiques. Booth Moore, ELLE Decor, 17 Aug. 2022 Just like the name suggests, the trend is all about mixing shades of white, beige, and tan in a way that creates a serene and inviting feeling. Jessica Leigh Mattern, Peoplemag, 11 Aug. 2022 Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2022 The Ranch will be open year-round and is in an uber-serene setting on the border of Sloatsburg and Tuxedo Park. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2022 But the hue can denote the serene and the celestial, which are also evoked by the exhibition, first shown at Cross’s home gallery and now on display in condensed form at Waddell Art Gallery at Northern Virginia Community College’s Loudoun Campus. Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2021 Even murder, late in the movie, is committed with a fluid facility that verges on the serene. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 11 June 2021 Depictions of Mary are often joyful, sorrowful or vaguely middle-distance serene. Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2019 In contrast to the whimsical, high-energy living areas, the master suite is a serene, grown-up haven. Jen Renzi, House Beautiful, 15 Jan. 2014 See More
Adjective
Through political upheaval and economic crises, family dramas and a revolving door of 15 prime ministers, the queen was serene and enduring. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2022 The rotunda of American Adventure can be simultaneously serene and stirring. Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 21 July 2022 The area is quiet and serene and close to many hiking trails, two tiny marinas , farmer’s markets, and more. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 15 July 2022 Sure, sliding down the sandy dunes in a game like Journey is serene and all. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 18 June 2022 Biyela is serene and measured, but there's an unmistakable sparkle in her eyes — mischief even — perceptible despite the partial pixelation. Melanie Van Zyl, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2022 In person, Cleopatra is a disarming combination of serene and unpredictable. Evan Allen, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Dec. 2021 Her studio channeled László’s sense of folly into the project—no all-white coastal clichés here—aiming for a spirited balance between serene and sophisticated, reflecting the client’s passion for wellness, travel, art, and antiques. Booth Moore, ELLE Decor, 17 Aug. 2022 Just like the name suggests, the trend is all about mixing shades of white, beige, and tan in a way that creates a serene and inviting feeling. Jessica Leigh Mattern, Peoplemag, 11 Aug. 2022 Noun
Picturesque, quaint and serene, this incredible 3.2-acre property couldn’t be more idyllic. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2022 The Ranch will be open year-round and is in an uber-serene setting on the border of Sloatsburg and Tuxedo Park. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2022 But the hue can denote the serene and the celestial, which are also evoked by the exhibition, first shown at Cross’s home gallery and now on display in condensed form at Waddell Art Gallery at Northern Virginia Community College’s Loudoun Campus. Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2021 Even murder, late in the movie, is committed with a fluid facility that verges on the serene. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 11 June 2021 Depictions of Mary are often joyful, sorrowful or vaguely middle-distance serene. Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2019 In contrast to the whimsical, high-energy living areas, the master suite is a serene, grown-up haven. Jen Renzi, House Beautiful, 15 Jan. 2014 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English, from Latin serenus clear, cloudless, untroubled
Noun
derivative of serene entry 1
First Known Use
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a
Noun
1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
serene
adjective
se·rene sə-ˈrēn
1
: being calm and quiet
a serene manner
2
: clear entry 1 sense 2
serene skies
serene
adjective
1
as in peaceful
free from disturbing noise or uproar a serene vacation spot Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- peaceful
- quiet
- placid
- tranquil
- calm
- restful
- hushed
- arcadian
- silent
- still
- quieted
- stilly
- noiseless
- soft
- soundless
- motionless
- mute
- quiescent
- gentle
- speechless
- wordless
- muted
- muffled
- dull
- dead
- low
- ultraquiet
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- boisterous
- raucous
- loud
- tumultuous
- noisy
- unquiet
- rowdy
- clamorous
- uproarious
- deafening
- wild
- tempestuous
- clattery
- woolly
- roistering
- romping
- crazy
- wooly
- thunderous
- rip-roaring
- booming
- thundering
- roaring
- earsplitting
- piercing
- blasting
- blaring
2
as in calm
free from emotional or mental agitation a serene woman who was everyone's source of support Synonyms & Similar Words
- calm
- peaceful
- tranquil
- placid
- composed
- collected
- smooth
- unruffled
- undisturbed
- unperturbed
- untroubled
- limpid
- sedate
- unworried
- possessed
- confident
- cool
- together
- at peace
- relaxed
- steady
- unshaken
- recollected
- level
- mellow
- coolheaded
- centered
- self-possessed
- relieved
- equal
- nonchalant
- self-composed
- imperturbable
- unflappable
- equable
- detached
- carefree
- unshakable
- tranquilized
- easygoing
- breezy
- aloof
- affable
- even
- tranquillized
- unconcerned
- dispassionate
- sober
- even-keeled
- laid-back
- well-balanced
- assured
- disciplined
- nerveless
- impassive
- phlegmatic
- well-adjusted
- stolid
- indifferent
- self-controlled
- happy-go-lucky
- self-assured
- bovine
- loosey-goosey
- self-contained
- devil-may-care
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disturbed
- perturbed
- agitated
- upset
- anxious
- uneasy
- distressed
- unquiet
- unsettled
- flustered
- unstrung
- unhinged
- restless
- nervous
- unglued
- tense
- worried
- discomposed
- jumpy
- bothered
- jittery
- unstable
- uptight
- skittish
- high-strung
3
as in tranquil
free from storms or physical disturbance a serene lake Synonyms & Similar Words
- tranquil
- quiet
- peaceful
- placid
- calm
- hushed
- still
- untroubled
- sunny
- gentle
- halcyon
- temperate
- mild
- clear
- lown
- equable
- stilly
- clement
- balmy
- moderate
- cloudless
- windless
- sunshiny
- rainless
- fair
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- turbulent
- restless
- angry
- stormy
- unsettled
- rough
- tempestuous
- agitated
- unquiet
- inclement
- windy
- extreme
- blustery
- severe
- intemperate
- nasty
- blizzardy
- foul
- squally
- blizzardly
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of serene are calm, peaceful, placid, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.
watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening
The meanings of calm and serene largely overlap; however, calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.
the protests ended, and the streets were calm again
While the synonyms peaceful and serene are close in meaning, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.
grown peaceful in old age
Although the words placid and serene have much in common, placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.
remained placid despite the criticism
The words tranquil and serene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.
the tranquil beauty of a formal garden