1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another
there must be a poise between the rights of the individual and the rights of society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
1
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
the disgraced business executive poised herself for the difficult press conference
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hover
to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air
the falcon poised in the air for an instant before diving to attack its prey
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of poise
Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025
One man will not be moved physically, the other not emotionally; de Bankolé’s soft, stoic poise and Dillon’s gruff, spiraling bluster are likewise at odds.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
Their comments threw cold water on Democrats’ main sticking point just days before the government is poised to shut down.
—Erin Doherty, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poise
Noun
In that position, Eugene effectively leads the marching band by demonstrating confidence and poise while inspiring fellow musicians and fostering a positive band culture, Croft said about Eugene in the nomination.
—Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025
One man will not be moved physically, the other not emotionally; de Bankolé’s soft, stoic poise and Dillon’s gruff, spiraling bluster are likewise at odds.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
That was a remarkable turnaround from a player who appeared poised to be the first person evicted out of the house.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
Their comments threw cold water on Democrats’ main sticking point just days before the government is poised to shut down.
—Erin Doherty, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
-
Far from descending into deepening partisan divisions, Taiwan may be moving toward a new political equilibrium.—
PHILIP H. GORDON,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Sep. 2025
-
The Equinox brings day and night into equilibrium, and the same medicine applies to your one-on-one connections.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
21 Sep. 2025
Noun
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What's Next Chinese research ship operations in neighboring maritime zones are likely to remain a source of controversy as the country continues to strengthen its posture in the region.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
In the studio, niche interests are exchanged for conformity and collective attention to breath and postures—at least on the surface.—
Calin Van Paris,
Outside,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Both clubs would be well advised to brace themselves for the long haul.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Coffee Talk, a trade publication about the coffee industry, reported in August that New York City cafés were bracing for price increases.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This year, their record after the All-Star break hovered within the Top 10 in the Major Leagues, but their 41-57 hole to begin the year was too difficult to emerge from.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
27 Sep. 2025
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No aura of ambiguity hovers over Catherine Leroy’s photographs.—
Louis Menand,
New Yorker,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Some analysts predict the measures could push Tehran to take a tougher nuclear stance, but the lingering threat of US and Israeli attacks gives Iran’s leaders limited strategic flexibility.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
29 Sep. 2025
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On Monday, Rowling clarified her stance further.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Once that decision is made, Posey and the rest of the Giants’ brass will shift its attention to fortifying their roster, generally, and their pitching depth, specifically.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
29 Sep. 2025
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The two have bonded over their desire to get better and their tireless work ethics, and that relationship has only been fortified as the years have progressed.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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During the ritual, a trio of local men played Balinese instruments as incense floated through the air.—
Kathryn Romeyn,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Sep. 2025
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Europe is rich, yet no one can explain why German trains are not on time anymore, or why there is no way to avoid feces floating in Britain’s rivers.—
Renaud Foucart,
Time,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The policies largely have support from the public, reflecting a major shift in the attitude of Florida residents and their priorities in recent years.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
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As of right now, Järnkrok’s efforts will be aided by his attitude.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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