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aplomb was our Word of the Day on 05/01/2014. Hear the podcast!
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Examples of aplomb in a Sentence
- In "The Most Famous Man in America," Applegate, a Ph.D. in American studies from Yale, tells this grand story with aplomb, intelligence and a sure feel for historical context. —Michael Kazin, New York Times Book Review, 16 July 2006
- Stefan Soltesz conducts the excellent chorus and orchestra with aplomb, and television director Brian Large does his usual exemplary job. —Alan Wagner, Opera News, November 2001
- During a script conference recounted in the New Yorker piece, Ley fielded a variety of questions with striking aplomb that sometimes verged on arrogance. —Frank Kuznik, Air & Space, April/May 1995
He showed great aplomb in dealing with the reporters.
you've handled a difficult situation with perfect aplomb
Recent Examples of aplomb from the Web
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GreenRiver’s list is organized by ingredients in the base spirit (corn, rye, and wheat for whiskeys, grapes and apples for brandies, and so on), and with typical Dead Rabbit aplomb, inspired by history and nostalgia.
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After declaring himself a noncombatant in one of the culture wars, President Trump, with strong support from religious conservatives, has joined the battle with aplomb.
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Re-Animator Blending horror and comedy with aplomb, this Stuart Gordon adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's famous short story concerns a medical student (the great Jeffrey Combs) determined to perfect the science of resurrection.
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Here are some of the main questions and misconceptions about GMOs that the documentary addresses with aplomb:
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Playing in the spotlight of New York, the affable Judge has handled it with aplomb.
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Some navigate the whole minefield with more aplomb than others.
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The opening number is always a cheeky mega-mix of contemporary Broadway hits woven together with aplomb by the musical director Michael Moricz.
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Instead, Aden has been pursuing her high fashion profession with aplomb, walking in Kanye West's Yeezy Season 5 show in February and again in Max Mara's and Alberta Ferretti's recent shows.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aplomb.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
In the 19th century, English speakers borrowed aplomb, meaning "composure," from French. "Aplomb" can also mean "perpendicularity" in French and comes from the phrase a plomb, meaning "perpendicularly or literally "according to the plummet." A plummet is a lead weight that is attached to a line and used to determine vertical alignment. Not surprisingly, "aplomb" and English words like "plumber" and the verb "plumb" ("to measure depth" and "to explore critically and minutely") ultimately trace back to the Latin word for lead, "plumbum."
Origin and Etymology of aplomb
French, literally, perpendicularity, from Middle French, from a plomb, literally, according to the plummet
aplomb Synonyms
Synonyms
equanimity, calmness, collectedness, composedness, composure, cool, coolness, countenance, equilibrium, imperturbability, placidity, repose, sangfroid, self-composedness, self-possession, serenity, tranquillity (or tranquility), tranquilnessAntonyms
agitation, discomposure, perturbationRelated Words
assurance, confidence, poise, self-assurance, self-assuredness, self-confidence, self-trust; easygoingness, laid-backness; apathy, detachment, impassivity, indifference, insensibility, numbness, phlegm, unconcernNear Antonyms
alarm (also alarum), anxiety, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care, concern, disquiet, solicitude, uneasiness, worry; excitability, excitableness, nervousness; disturbanceSynonym Discussion of aplomb
confidence, assurance, self-possession, aplomb mean a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment. confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance.
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- the confidence that comes from long experience
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- handled the cross-examination with complete assurance
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- answered the insolent question with complete self-possession
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- handled the reporters with great aplomb
APLOMB Defined for English Language Learners
aplomb
play
noun
Definition of aplomb for English Language Learners
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: confidence and skill shown especially in a difficult situation
APLOMB Defined for Kids
aplomb
play
noun
\
ə-ˈpläm
\
Definition of aplomb for Students
:confidence and skill shown especially in a difficult situation
He handled the questions with great aplomb.
Learn More about aplomb
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See words that rhyme with aplomb Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for aplomb Spanish Central: Translation of aplomb Nglish: Translation of aplomb for Spanish speakers
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