Dictionary.com

peaceful

[ pees-fuhl ]
/ ˈpis fəl /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: peaceful / peacefully / peacefulness on Thesaurus.com

adjective
characterized by peace; free from war, strife, commotion, violence, or disorder: a peaceful reign;a peaceful demonstration.
of, relating to, or characteristic of a state or time of peace.
peaceable; not argumentative, quarrelsome, or hostile: a peaceful disposition.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of peaceful

First recorded in 1250–1300, peaceful is from the Middle English word pesful; see peace, -ful

synonym study for peaceful

1. Peaceful, placid, serene, tranquil refer to what is characterized by lack of strife or agitation. Peaceful today is rarely applied to persons; it refers to situations, scenes, and activities free of disturbances or, occasionally, of warfare: a peaceful life. Placid, serene, tranquil are used mainly of persons; when used of things (usually elements of nature) there is a touch of personification. Placid suggests an unruffled calm that verges on complacency: a placid disposition; a placid stream. Serene is a somewhat nobler word; when used of persons it suggests dignity, composure, and graciousness: a serene old man; when applied to nature there is a suggestion of mellowness: the serene landscapes of autumn. Tranquil implies a command of emotions, often because of strong faith, which keeps one unagitated even in the midst of excitement or danger.

OTHER WORDS FROM peaceful

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use peaceful in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for peaceful

peaceful
/ (ˈpiːsfʊl) /

adjective
not in a state of war or disagreement
tranquil; calm
not involving violencepeaceful picketing
of, relating to, or in accord with a time of peacepeaceful uses of atomic energy
inclined towards peace

Derived forms of peaceful

peacefully, adverbpeacefulness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK