aplomb

noun \ ə-ˈpläm , -ˈpləm \

Definition of aplomb

:complete and confident composure or self-assurance :poise

She played several roles with equal aplomb.

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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

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.

— Condé Nast Traveler, "GreenRiver," 25 Aug. 2017
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.

— david weigel, Washington Post, "Trump’s LGBT supporters defend him after surprise military transgender ban," 26 July 2017
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.

— esquire editors, Esquire, "30 Actually Terrifying Scary Movies to Watch for Halloween," 20 July 2017
Here are some of the main questions and misconceptions about GMOs that the documentary addresses with aplomb:

— yvette d'entremont, SELF, "Don’t Let Yourself Be Convinced That GMOs Are Evil," 18 July 2017
Playing in the spotlight of New York, the affable Judge has handled it with aplomb.

— ryan divish, The Seattle Times, "Midseason awards: These are baseball’s MVP, Cy Young and ROY winners at the All-Star break," 8 July 2017
Some navigate the whole minefield with more aplomb than others.

— donna freydkin, Allure, "Total Frat Move's Article About the "Ugliest Outfit" a Woman Can Wear Reveals a Huge Double Standard," 30 June 2017
The opening number is always a cheeky mega-mix of contemporary Broadway hits woven together with aplomb by the musical director Michael Moricz.

— rachel syme, New York Times, "Heard of the Jimmys? It’s the Tonys, for Teenagers," 27 June 2017
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.

— raisa bruner, Time, "This Hijab-Wearing Model Just Landed a Glossy Magazine Cover," 20 June 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1818

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aplomb Synonyms

Synonyms

equanimity, calmness, collectedness, composedness, composure, cool, coolness, countenance, equilibrium, imperturbability, placidity, repose, sangfroid, self-composedness, self-possession, serenity, tranquillity (or tranquility), tranquilness

Antonyms

agitation, discomposure, perturbation

Related Words

assurance, confidence, poise, self-assurance, self-assuredness, self-confidence, self-trust; easygoingness, laid-backness; apathy, detachment, impassivity, indifference, insensibility, numbness, phlegm, unconcern

Near Antonyms

alarm (also alarum), anxiety, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care, concern, disquiet, solicitude, uneasiness, worry; excitability, excitableness, nervousness; disturbance

Synonym 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.