50+ Synonyms of “At Peace”: Meanings, Examples, and Usage in English

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In English, expressing the state of being “at peace” is essential for describing calmness, contentment, and harmony. Whether you’re a student, a writer, or an English learner, knowing how to convey this idea in various ways enriches your communication. Understanding synonyms and alternative expressions for “at peace” allows you to add nuance, adjust tone, and avoid repetition in both speech and writing.

Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms of “at peace” helps you capture subtle differences in emotional, social, and environmental contexts. It also enables you to match your language to different levels of formality, from casual conversations to academic writing. This article is a comprehensive guide to over 50 synonyms of “at peace”—exploring their meanings, usage, examples, and practical applications.

Our goal is to provide an exhaustive resource for ESL learners, teachers, writers, and anyone interested in expressing peacefulness with precision and style. You’ll find clear explanations, categorized synonym lists, usage rules, common mistakes, and plenty of practice exercises to master these expressions.

Table of Contents

3. DEFINITION SECTION

3.1. What Does “At Peace” Mean?

At peace is a phrase used to describe a state of calmness, freedom from disturbance, or absence of conflict. It can refer to:

  • Emotional calm: Feeling relaxed and free from inner turmoil.
  • Social harmony: Living or existing without conflict with others.
  • Physical or environmental tranquility: A place or scene that is quiet and undisturbed.
  • Acceptance: Coming to terms with a decision, loss, or the past.

The connotations of at peace are typically positive, suggesting serenity, tranquility, and acceptance.

3.2. Grammatical Classification

At peace is a prepositional phrase. It generally acts as a predicate adjective (subject complement) after linking verbs like be or as an adverbial modifier.

Grammatical Roles of “At Peace”
Role Example
Subject complement She is at peace.
Adverbial modifier He lives at peace with his neighbors.
Object complement They made her at peace with herself.

3.3. Common Usage Contexts

At peace can be used in a variety of situations:

  • Emotional state: “After therapy, he finally felt at peace.”
  • Social harmony: “The two families are now at peace.”
  • After conflict: “The countries are at peace after years of war.”
  • Philosophical acceptance: “She is at peace with her decision.”
  • Physical environment: “The garden was at peace in the early morning.”

4. STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN

4.1. Syntactic Patterns

Synonyms of at peace can appear in a variety of sentence structures, including after linking verbs, as adjectives before nouns, or as adverbial phrases.

Example Sentence Structures with “At Peace” Synonyms
Pattern Example
Linking verb + adjective He is calm.
Be + prepositional phrase She is in harmony with herself.
Adjective + noun A peaceful atmosphere filled the room.
Verb + adverb They live harmoniously.

4.2. Parts of Speech

Synonyms of at peace can be found in several grammatical forms:

  • Adjectives: peaceful, serene, tranquil, composed, placid, untroubled, mellow
  • Nouns: tranquility, harmony, calm, equanimity, serenity, composure
  • Participles: undisturbed, unperturbed, unruffled
  • Prepositional phrases: in harmony, at rest, in accord, on good terms
Synonyms of “At Peace” by Part of Speech
Part of Speech Synonyms Example
Adjective peaceful, serene, tranquil She feels serene today.
Noun harmony, tranquility, calm He seeks harmony in life.
Participle undisturbed, untroubled The lake remained undisturbed.
Prepositional phrase in harmony, at rest They live in harmony.

4.3. Modifiers and Intensifiers

At peace and its synonyms are frequently modified for emphasis. Common intensifiers include completely, utterly, truly, perfectly, and deeply.

  • She felt utterly serene after yoga.
  • He was completely at peace with his choice.
  • The village is perfectly tranquil at night.

5. TYPES OR CATEGORIES

5.1. Emotional/Inner Peace Synonyms

These express internal calm and acceptance:

  • serene
  • tranquil
  • calm
  • composed
  • untroubled
  • content
  • equanimous
  • centered
  • collected

5.2. Social/Interpersonal Peace Synonyms

These refer to harmony and good will between people or groups:

  • in harmony
  • on good terms
  • in accord
  • united
  • amicable
  • congenial
  • reconciled
  • in agreement

5.3. Environmental/Physical Peace Synonyms

Words describing peaceful surroundings:

  • peaceful
  • placid
  • still
  • undisturbed
  • quiet
  • restful
  • soothing

5.4. Permanent vs. Temporary States

Some synonyms indicate enduring peace (permanent), while others refer to a fleeting state (temporary).

  • Permanent: equanimity, harmony, composure, acceptance
  • Temporary: momentary calm, brief serenity, fleeting tranquility

5.5. Formal and Informal Variations

Formal synonyms are appropriate for writing, speeches, or academic contexts. Informal synonyms are common in conversation.

  • Formal: placid, composed, equanimous, serene, reconciled
  • Informal: chilled, mellow, cool, easygoing
Categorized Synonyms of “At Peace” (By Context and Formality)
Context Formal Informal
Emotional/Inner serene, composed, equanimous chilled, mellow
Social/Interpersonal amicable, reconciled, in accord on good terms, cool with
Environmental/Physical placid, tranquil, undisturbed quiet, laid-back

6. EXAMPLES SECTION

6.1. Basic Examples

  • She is at peace with her life.
  • The forest was peaceful in the morning.
  • He felt serene after the retreat.
  • They live in harmony with nature.
  • The lake remains undisturbed.

6.2. Examples by Category

Emotional: “She felt tranquil after meditation.”

Social: “The two countries are now in harmony.”

Environmental: “The placid lake was at peace at dawn.”

6.3. Synonyms in Different Tenses/Forms

  • He has been serene lately.
  • They will remain harmonious if they communicate.
  • She was composed during the interview.
  • The city has become peaceful over the years.

6.4. Idiomatic and Figurative Examples

  • She’s at peace with her decision.
  • He’s finally made his peace with the past.
  • May he rest in peace.
  • They buried the hatchet and now live in harmony.

6.5. Extended Context Examples

Dialogue:

A: “You seem different lately. Are you okay?”
B: “Yes, I feel more at peace with myself now. I’ve let go of a lot of stress.”
A: “That’s wonderful. You look so serene.”

Paragraph:

After years of conflict, the two sisters finally reconciled. Sitting in the garden, they felt completely at peace. The air was still, the birds sang softly, and for the first time in years, harmony filled their hearts.

6.6. Tables

Table 1: Synonyms of “At Peace” with Definitions and Example Sentences
Synonym Definition Example Sentence
serene calm, peaceful, untroubled She looked serene as she watched the sunset.
tranquil free from disturbance; calm The garden is tranquil in the afternoon.
composed having control over one’s emotions He remained composed during the crisis.
placid not easily upset or excited The placid lake mirrored the sky.
harmonious forming a pleasing or consistent whole Their relationship is harmonious.
equanimity mental calmness, even in difficult situations She handled the news with equanimity.
restful promoting rest; peaceful The room has a restful atmosphere.
mellow relaxed and easygoing He’s become quite mellow over the years.
unruffled not agitated or disturbed She was unruffled by the interruption.
in accord in agreement or harmony Their views are in accord.
in harmony living or existing together peacefully They live in harmony with their neighbors.
untroubled not feeling or showing anxiety He seemed untroubled by the bad news.
undisturbed not interrupted or bothered The forest remained undisturbed.
chilled relaxed, not stressed (informal) I’m just chilled today.
at rest not moving; peaceful He is finally at rest.
content satisfied; at ease She felt content with her choices.
amicable characterized by friendliness Their divorce was surprisingly amicable.
centered emotionally balanced He feels centered after meditation.
reconciled restored friendly relations The two friends are now reconciled.
collected calm and self-controlled She remained collected in the debate.
soothing having a calming effect The music is soothing.
laid-back relaxed; easygoing (informal) He has a laid-back attitude.
Table 2: “At Peace” Synonyms in Positive, Negative, and Neutral Contexts
Context Positive Negative/Neutral
Personal serene, content passive (neutral/negative)
Social harmonious, amicable undisturbed (neutral)
Environmental tranquil, soothing still (neutral)
Table 3: Formal vs. Informal Usage Examples
Formality Synonym Example Sentence
Formal equanimity She accepted the results with equanimity.
Informal chilled I’m just chilled today.
Formal serene His serene expression calmed everyone.
Informal laid-back He’s really laid-back about things.
Table 4: Common Collocations with Synonyms of “At Peace”
Synonym Common Collocations Example
serene serene smile, serene waters, feel serene The pond looked serene at sunrise.
harmony live in harmony, harmony with nature The family lives in harmony with their neighbors.
calm remain calm, stay calm, calm demeanor Try to remain calm in stressful situations.
tranquility peace and tranquility, enjoy tranquility She longed for peace and tranquility.
placid placid lake, placid expression The placid surface of the lake reflected the sky.
Table 5: Synonyms Used as Different Parts of Speech in Example Sentences
Part of Speech Synonym Example
Adjective peaceful This is a peaceful village.
Noun calm I admire her calm.
Adverb harmoniously They work harmoniously together.
Participle undisturbed The forest remained undisturbed.
Prepositional phrase in harmony We should live in harmony with nature.

7. USAGE RULES

7.1. Choosing the Right Synonym

When selecting a synonym for at peace, consider the context, tone, and the subject:

  • Person’s internal state: serene, composed, content
  • Relationships: harmonious, reconciled, on good terms
  • Environment: tranquil, placid, restful
  • Formality: Use formal synonyms in writing, and informal ones in casual speech.

7.2. Collocations and Fixed Expressions

Some synonyms are commonly used with specific words:

  • serene smile, serene expression
  • in harmony with nature, in harmony with others
  • peaceful protest, peaceful place
  • make one’s peace with (idiom)

7.3. Subject-Verb Agreement and Syntax

Most adjectives and participles agree in number with the subject:

  • She is serene. They are serene.
  • The lakes are tranquil.
  • He remains composed.

Phrases like in harmony or at rest are used as prepositional phrases.

7.4. Exceptions and Special Cases

Some synonyms are not interchangeable in all contexts:

  • Placid is typically used for places or animals, not for people’s emotions (except for expressions like “placid expression”).
  • Passive is not a synonym for at peace; it can have negative connotations (unresponsive, lacking initiative).
  • Chilled and laid-back are very informal and may not fit formal writing.

7.5. Cultural and Regional Usage

Some expressions are more common in certain regions or registers:

  • Rest in peace is common in English-speaking countries as a respectful phrase for the deceased.
  • Chilled is more common in American English, while laid-back is used in both British and American English.
  • Serene and tranquil are more formal and literary.
Appropriate Synonym Choices by Context and Register
Context Formal Informal Not Appropriate
Internal emotion serene, composed chilled, mellow placid (for people)
Social relations harmonious, amicable on good terms, cool with placid
Environment tranquil, undisturbed quiet, laid-back equanimous (for places)

8. COMMON MISTAKES

8.1. Misusing Synonyms

  • Using placid to describe a person’s feelings (“He is placid” may sound odd; better: “He has a placid expression”).
  • Using passive as a synonym for at peace (they have different meanings).

8.2. Incorrect Collocations

  • Incorrect: She is “at peace with the environment.”
  • Correct: She is “in harmony with the environment.”

8.3. Confusing Similar Words

  • Passive vs. peaceful: Passive means inactive or submissive, not calm.
  • Placid vs. serene: Placid is rarely used for people; serene fits both people and places.

8.4. Overusing “At Peace”

  • Repetition of at peace can sound monotonous. Use synonyms for variety.

8.5. Correct vs. Incorrect Examples

Common Mistakes with Synonyms of “At Peace” and Corrections
Incorrect Correction Explanation
He is a placid man. (when describing feelings) He is a calm man. “Placid” is better for expressions or animals.
She is at peace with the environment. She is in harmony with the environment. “In harmony” fits the context better.
He is a passive person. (meaning calm) He is a peaceful person. “Passive” means inactive or submissive, not peaceful.

9. PRACTICE EXERCISES

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank

  1. After the argument, they were finally ____________ with each other.
  2. The mountain village is known for its ____________ atmosphere.
  3. She remained ____________ despite the chaos around her.
  4. He is a very ____________ person; nothing seems to upset him.
  5. The old friends are now ____________ after many years.
  6. The baby slept ____________ in her crib.
  7. She felt ____________ with her choice.
  8. The two countries are now ____________ after the treaty.
  9. He has found ____________ through meditation.
  10. The garden was ____________ at dawn.

9.2. Correction Exercises

  1. He is a placid person. (Meaning: He is calm and not easily upset.)
  2. She is at peace with the environment.
  3. They are passive after the meeting. (Meaning: They are not worried or upset.)
  4. The city is equanimous at night.
  5. I am in harmony about my decision.
  6. He is chilled with his boss. (Meaning: He is on good terms with his boss.)
  7. The river is composed in the morning.

9.3. Synonym Identification

  1. Which synonym best fits: “The lake was _____ at sunset.”
    a) harmonious
    b) placid
    c) amicable
  2. Which is the best synonym for “calm and untroubled”?

    a) serene
    b) passive
    c) agitated
  3. Which synonym fits: “They live _____ with their neighbors.”
    a) in harmony
    b) placidly
    c) equanimity
  4. Which is more formal?
    a) chilled
    b) composed
  5. Which fits: “She accepted the news with _____.”
    a) tranquility
    b) equanimity
    c) restful
  6. Which is an informal synonym?
    a) mellow
    b) reconciled
    c) harmony
  7. Which is not a synonym for “at peace”?
    a) passive
    b) serene
    c) calm
  8. Which is best for social relationships?
    a) amicable
    b) tranquil
    c) placid
  9. Which fits: “He is _____ with his past mistakes.”
    a) in harmony
    b) at rest
    c) at peace
  10. Which is best for describing a place?
    a) tranquil
    b) amicable
    c) reconciled

9.4. Sentence Construction

  1. Use “serene” in a sentence about a person.
  2. Use “in harmony” in a sentence about a group.
  3. Use “placid” in a sentence about a place.
  4. Use “composed” in a sentence about a challenging situation.
  5. Use “reconciled” in a sentence about friends.
  6. Use “mellow” in a sentence about mood.
  7. Use “restful” in a sentence about an environment.
  8. Use “amicable” in a sentence about an agreement.

9.5. Matching

Match the Synonym to Its Definition
Synonym Definition (choose A-H)
serene A. Relaxed and easygoing
amicable B. Calm, peaceful, untroubled
mellow C. Friendly, without conflict
tranquil D. Free from disturbance
composed E. Having control over one’s emotions
restful F. Promoting rest; peaceful
reconciled G. Restored friendly relations
equanimity H. Mental calmness, even under stress

9.6. Answers and Explanations

Fill-in-the-Blank:

  1. reconciled
  2. tranquil
  3. composed
  4. placid
  5. reconciled
  6. peacefully / serenely / restfully
  7. at peace / content
  8. at peace / in harmony
  9. peace / tranquility / serenity
  10. serene / tranquil / peaceful

Correction Exercises:

  1. He is a calm person.
  2. She is in harmony with the environment.
  3. They are calm after the meeting.
  4. The city is peaceful at night.
  5. I am at peace with my decision.
  6. He is on good terms with his boss.
  7. The river is placid in the morning.

Synonym Identification:

  1. b) placid
  2. a) serene
  3. a) in harmony
  4. b) composed
  5. b) equanimity
  6. a) mellow
  7. a) passive
  8. a) amicable
  9. c) at peace
  10. a) tranquil

Sentence Construction (model answers):

  1. She looked serene as she meditated in the park.
  2. The team worked in harmony to achieve their goal.
  3. The placid lake reflected the mountains perfectly.
  4. He remained composed during the emergency.
  5. After many years, the old friends are reconciled.
  6. He was in a mellow mood after the concert.
  7. The bedroom had a restful atmosphere.
  8. The negotiations ended with an amicable agreement.

Matching:

  • serene – B
  • amicable – C
  • mellow – A
  • tranquil – D
  • composed – E
  • restful – F
  • reconciled – G
  • equanimity – H

10. ADVANCED TOPICS

10.1. Subtle Differences in Connotation

Serene suggests deep, unshakable calm. Tranquil emphasizes absence of noise or disturbance. Composed means self-controlled, especially under pressure. Placid is calm, but slightly detached or unemotional.

10.2. Register and Tone

Use more formal synonyms (serene, composed, tranquil) in writing or speeches. Use informal ones (chilled, mellow, laid-back) in friendly conversation.

Adjust your tone to the situation and audience.

10.3. Synonyms in Idiomatic and Figurative Language

  • Make one’s peace with (something): to accept or come to terms with something.
  • Rest in peace: a respectful phrase for the deceased.
  • Peace of mind: a state of mental calmness.

Example: “She has made her peace with the past.”

10.4. Cultural, Historical, and Philosophical Nuances

At peace is significant in many religious and philosophical traditions:

  • Buddhism: achieving inner peace is a central goal.
  • Christianity: “rest in peace” as a prayer for the dead.
  • Philosophy: equanimity as a virtue of calm acceptance.

10.5. Synonyms in Translation and Cross-Linguistic Comparison

Translating at peace to other languages can be tricky. Literal translations may miss nuance. For instance, the Spanish “en paz” matches “at peace,” but “tranquilo” (calm) is often used for mood. In Japanese, “heiwa” (peace) is used for social harmony, while “anshin” (安心) means internal peace.

Advanced Comparison of Synonyms: Register, Connotation, and Usage
Synonym Register Typical Use Connotation Cross-Linguistic Equivalent
serene Formal/Literary People, places Deep calm, positive sereno (Italian/Spanish)
chilled Informal People Relaxed, easygoing relajado (Spanish)
in harmony Neutral People, groups, nature Agreement, positive en armonía (Spanish)
placid Formal Places, animals Surface calm, slightly detached plácido (Spanish)

11. FAQ SECTION

  1. What is the exact meaning of “at peace” in English?
    At peace means being free from disturbance, conflict, or worry. It often refers to a state of calm, acceptance, or harmony, either internally or externally.
  2. How do I know which synonym to use in a sentence?
    Consider the context: is it about a person’s feelings, a social situation, or an environment? Choose a synonym that fits the tone (formal/informal) and the specific meaning you want.
  3. Are “calm” and “at peace” interchangeable?
    Sometimes, but not always. Calm can mean free from agitation (momentary), while at peace often suggests deeper or more lasting contentment.
  4. Can “at peace” describe both people and places?
    Yes. At peace can describe someone’s emotional state or the state of a place or group.
  5. What is the difference between “serene” and “tranquil”?
    Serene often describes people or expressions, meaning deeply calm. Tranquil is more often used for places or situations, meaning free from noise or disturbance.
  6. Is “at peace” formal or informal?
    It is neutral—suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Some synonyms, however, may be more formal (serene) or informal (chilled).
  7. Are there idioms that express the idea of being at peace?
    Yes: “make one’s peace with,” “rest in peace,” “peace of mind,” and “bury the hatchet.”
  8. Can “at peace” be used in negative sentences?
    Yes: “She was not at peace with her decision.”
  9. Do any synonyms have religious or spiritual connotations?
    Yes: “rest in peace” (Christian funerary phrase), “inner peace” (spiritual calm), “equanimity” (philosophical/religious calm).
  10. What are some informal ways to say “at peace”?
    Chilled, mellow, laid-back, cool with it.
  11. How do native speakers use these synonyms in daily conversation?
    Informal synonyms are common in speech, e.g., “I’m pretty chilled about it.” More formal ones appear in writing or careful speech.
  12. Are there regional differences in usage?
    Yes. American English prefers “chilled,” British English often uses “laid-back.” Some synonyms (serene, tranquil) are more literary or formal.

12. CONCLUSION

Using a variety of synonyms for at peace enhances your clarity, style, and expressiveness in English. You can choose the best word for any context—emotional, social, or environmental—while matching the right level of formality. This guide has covered definitions, grammatical roles, categories, usage rules, common mistakes, and provided extensive examples and practice exercises.

Actively incorporating new synonyms into your vocabulary will help you communicate more precisely and avoid repetition. For further learning, read widely and practice using different synonyms in your speaking and writing.

Keep exploring English’s rich vocabulary to express every shade of peace!

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