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nonchalance

noun

non·​cha·​lance ˌnän-shə-ˈlän(t)s How to pronounce nonchalance (audio)
ˌnän-shə-ˌlän(t)s
-lən(t)s
Synonyms of nonchalancenext
: the quality or state of being nonchalant
She faced the crowd with the nonchalance of an experienced speaker.

Examples of nonchalance in a Sentence

with their usual nonchalance they arrived at the wedding ceremony half an hour late
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Sprezzatura was a north star for court dressing and demeanor, a type of performative nonchalance that the elite could evoke and could — maybe — trickle down to the non-aristocratic classes as well, Lisby explained. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 25 Nov. 2025 Nintendo has learned that the bounty hunter’s most affecting personality trait is remaining a mute goliath who handles nuisances — from chatty scientists to roaring monsters — with annoyed nonchalance. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2025 Plus, there is also a cool nonchalance to sporting a statement sneaker versus, say, a sky-high stiletto. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025 As someone who spent the majority of her teenage years in a ballet studio trying to mimic this level of ease, of nonchalance—a still upper body with strong legs kicking beneath the surface—the ambition to carry myself with a similar level of dignity or reverence has persisted throughout the years. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 12 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nonchalance

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonchalance was in 1678

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Cite this Entry

“Nonchalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonchalance. Accessed 4 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

nonchalance

noun
non·​cha·​lance ˌnän-shə-ˈlän(t)s How to pronounce nonchalance (audio)
ˈnän-shə-ˌlän(t)s
: the quality or state of being nonchalant

More from Merriam-Webster on nonchalance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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