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as in posture
a general way of holding the body the woman's poise suggested that she was accustomed to having her wishes carried out promptly and without question

Synonyms & Similar Words

poise

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poise different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of poise are address, savoir faire, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When would address be a good substitute for poise?

The words address and poise can be used in similar contexts, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When can savoir faire be used instead of poise?

The words savoir faire and poise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Where would tact be a reasonable alternative to poise?

The meanings of tact and poise largely overlap; however, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of poise
Noun
But Aberg's poise and ability to navigate one of the toughest courses in the world with ease despite his inexperience gave fans hope that at least one Green Jacket is in his future. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 Burke showed the poise of a veteran when yesterday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels at Rate Field could have gotten away from the Chicago White Sox early. Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
The ruling’s long-ranging effects are still up in the air, but it is poised to have chilling, far-ranging effects on trans rights in the U.K. Abby Monteil, Them., 18 Apr. 2025 Related article Cheap things from China are poised to get pricey. Luciana Lopez, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
  • Once the wolves were reintroduced, the number of elk declined and the park regained its equilibrium.
    D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • After the massage, Brashear gave me specific yoga postures and self-care practices selected to restore equilibrium.
    Kayla Blanton, Outside Online, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But while many corporate leaders can talk the theory of anti-fragility, only a select cohort truly embody a posture that not only survives but actually thrives during crises.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Trump is enacting Project 2025 nearly to the letter, deploying executive orders, lawsuits, and rhetorical bombast in an effort to force judges, law firms, cultural institutions, university presidents, and press barons into postures of pitiable obedience.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Goldman Sachs worries the stock drawdown is about to get worse, and is bracing for wider credit spreads and a recession.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Digital Commerce Companies: These businesses, including e-commerce platforms and payment processors, are pulling back on public offering plans and bracing for pain.
    Jon Cherry, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But momentous events from beyond the stage hovered, too: In February, well after all 5,000 tickets had been sold for our two-night stand, Donald Trump dismissed multiple members of the Kennedy Center board and installed himself as the institution’s chairman.
    Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The early critical response has hovered north of the 90th percentile in favorability, though some reviewers argue the filmmakers have gone too narrow-focus on sheer authenticity, not to say shock value.
    Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The conversation returned at Augusta National Tuesday, and Morikawa defended his stance.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • President Trump’s decision to lift hefty tariffs on most U.S. trading partners with a 90-day pause even while keeping in place a 125 percent on China is a significant reversal from his previous stance that relieved Republicans and led stock markets to spike.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Because the people in charge didn’t pick the right players, and didn’t draft well enough with the leftover picks to fortify the roster.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
  • But all that has only fortified a character who went from hapless brother-in-law to inarguably the most evolved one of the bunch.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trump floated a plan to nix the federal income tax and replace revenue with money from tariffs.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Governor Kathy Hochul later floated her own Brooklyn-to-Queens light-rail project, the Interborough Express, or IBX.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But the pooch's positive attitude and adaptability to his wheelchair changed everything.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Shahed drones in our skies reveal Putin’s true attitude toward Easter and toward human life.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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