calm

Peaceful and relaxed, without worry, anger, or much activity.

• Try to stay calm.
• She gave a calm answer to his angry question.
• The house felt calm after the children left.

Similar words: peaceful, relaxed, composed

Opposites: anxious, agitated

Common phrases: stay calm, calm voice, calm atmosphere, calm evening

With few or no waves on the surface of the water.

• The sea is calm today.
• We crossed the lake while the water was calm.
• Calm seas made the journey easier.

Similar words: smooth, still

Opposites: rough

Common phrases: calm sea, calm water, calm lake

A feeling or condition of peace and quiet, without worry or disturbance.

• A feeling of calm filled the room.
• Her voice restored calm after the argument.
• He found inner calm while walking in the woods.

Similar words: peace, tranquility, composure

Opposites: agitation

Common phrases: sense of calm, inner calm, restore calm

A period when there is no wind.

• The calm lasted all morning.
• Our sailing boat barely moved in the calm.
• A sudden calm left the sails hanging loose.

How to use it: calm before something (There was a brief calm before the storm arrived.)

Similar words: lull

Common phrases: dead calm, calm before something, flat calm

To make someone less worried or angry, or make a situation more peaceful.

• Her voice calmed the baby.
• Slow breathing can calm your nerves.
• The teacher calmed the class before the test.

How to use it: calm someone/something down (A warm drink helped calm her down.)

Similar words: soothe, settle, reassure

Opposites: agitate

Common phrases: calm someone down, calm your nerves, calm the crowd

To become less worried, angry, or active.

• Please calm down.
• The sea calmed during the night.
• Her anger gradually calmed as they talked.

How to use it: calm down (The crowd finally calmed down.)

Similar words: settle, subside, relax

Common phrases: calm down, begin to calm, sea will calm