Calm Synonym Guide — Definition, Antonyms & Examples

The word “calm” describes “a state of tranquility and serenity; freedom from agitation.” What’s a synonym for calm?

This article will cover the meaning, synonyms, and antonyms of the word “calm” and its use in sentences.

Calm — Etymology and Definition

‘Calm’ functions grammatically as a noun, adjective, and verb depending on the context. The word originates from the Middle French word calme “tranquility, stillness.”

Calm as an adjective

Calm describes a peaceful person, especially one devoid of anger and anxiety. The term also describes a place free of noise and disturbance.

• I love watching the calm sea; it allows me to think clearly.
• Sarah’s calm nature is admirable.
• After yelling for over an hour, Michelle stayed calm for the rest of the day.
• The President has urged everyone to remain calm.
• There’s every need to be calm right now- it’s going to be okay.
• Ash’s calm demeanor is often misunderstood as stupidity.
• Carrie’s calm nature helped a lot with the big presentation.

Calm as a Noun

The term defines the condition of peacefulness, without noise or disturbance. It is the absence of worry, anger, fear, or other strong negative emotion.

• The snow has let up, and there is now calm on the streets.
• Calm followed the heavy storm.
• The common characteristic of calm is peace and tranquility.
• After the manager’s speech, an unusual silence and calm took over the room.
• Calmness is a state of mind.

Calm as a verb

Calm also functions as a verb. It means to become or make still – often used with the word ‘down.’ i.e., calm down.

The word takes the following forms: simple present – calms, present participle – calming, simple past and past participle – calmed.

• Would you please calm down while we sort out your issue?
• She seems able to calm others down.
• You should try calming down, please.
• Will you calm down and listen?

Synonym for Calm — Exploring words with Similar Meanings

The dictionary defines calm as “a condition of deep tranquility and peace of mind; quietness.” Similar terms for the noun ‘calm’ include serenity, coolness, composure, tranquility, poise, self-control, and peace.

Words with similar meanings to the verb ‘calm’ include gentle, pacify, composed, mollify, tranquilize, allay, assuage and soften.

Calm as an adjective has the following synonyms: still, placid, composed, cool, peaceful, tranquil, restful, and undisturbed.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these terms.

1. Quiet

The term is from Old French quiet, quiete, and Latin quiētus. It means “with little or no sound; free of disturbing noise.”

• My creativity comes to light when I am in a quiet environment.
• Deborah’s quiet nature is often mistaken for stupidity.

2. Tranquil

The term was borrowed from Middle French tranquille, and Latin tranquillus. It means “free from emotional disturbance; without motion or sound.”

• The tranquil environment was suitable for the event.
• The doctor recommended that I relax in a tranquil place.

3. Serene

The term was borrowed from Latin serēnus (“clear, cloudless, untroubled”). It means “peaceful, unruffled without worry or anxiety; unaffected by disturbance.

• David didn’t say a word after his mother scolded him; he gave her a serene smile.
• Michelle looked so beautiful and serene at the event.

4. Undisturbed

Undisturbed is a synonym for calm. It is from un- +‎ disturbed. Un- is a prefix of negation. Disturbed is a past participle adjective from disturb. Undisturbed means “not agitated, settled, steady.”

• Thompson had a strange undisturbed look even after I mentioned the problems we were facing with the project.
• Although Caren failed her final exams, she seemed so undisturbed.

5. Still

Still is another synonym for calm. It is from Middle English stille (“motionless, stationary”) and Proto-West Germanic *stillī (“quiet, still”). ‘Still’ means not moving; calm.

• Please sit still; I’ll be right back.
• Maria sat still at the party, even when everyone was dancing.

Antonyms for Calm — Exploring Words with Opposite Meanings

1. Agitated

‘Agitated’ is the simple past tense and past participle of agitate. Agitate is from Latin agitatus, past participle of agitare (“to put in motion”), from agere (“to move”). Agitated means angry, annoyed, bothered, or worked up.

• I was so agitated at the waiter for keeping me waiting for over 30 minutes.
• Nathan was profoundly agitated by the children’s noise.

2. Restless

Restless originates from Middle English restles, restelees, equivalent to rest +‎ -less. Restless means “without rest; unable to be still or quiet; uneasy; continually moving.”

• Jerry was restless when he found out his test results had been released.
• The baby has been restless for over an hour, and I don’t know what to do.

3. Stormy

The term originates from Middle English stormy, stormi. ‘Stormy’ means “characterized by, or proceeding from a storm; proceeding from violent agitation or fury, agitated with strong winds and heavy rain.”

• I can’t attend the meeting in this stormy weather.
• It’s a cold and stormy night.

To Wrap Up

Calm describes the state of peace and serenity. A synonym for calm is tranquil. Other related terms include undisturbed and still. Words opposite in meaning to the term include agitated, restless, and stormy.

The alternative words for calm highlighted in this article will help you craft an intriguing, unique, and diverse piece of work. You will find a thesaurus essential if you need to find more synonyms for the term.