poise 1 of 2

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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
The big-serving teenager showed poise that belied his youth and beat Djokovic 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4). Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025 With the youngest roster in the league and a No. 1 seed to show for it, the Thunder have emerged as the most exciting surprise in the NBA, showcasing poise, personality, and a fresh approach to winning. Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
In March, Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, and Florida is poised to follow as the second state. Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 1 May 2025 In 2022, Amazon said it was poised to pass UPS and FedEx to become the largest U.S. package delivery service. Annie Palmer, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
  • This delicate equilibrium underscores the significance of integrating self-determination and Stoicism into a cohesive leadership philosophy.
    Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The center of balance rides lower than ever before, with weight distribution in such equilibrium that Ward even corner-balanced the truck.
    Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Haden: What drew me to the word was that dichotomy of being on the verge of falling out of balance, but needing an incredible amount of skill to maintain your posture, like a ballerina.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 2 May 2025
  • That’s particularly true for those of us who spend a big chunk of the day sitting, which tightens up the hips and back and encourages not-so-ideal posture.
    Jenny McCoy, SELF, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • University centers are bracing to lose their funding, which could sever the pipeline of scientists and physicians who specialize in occupational health and environmental toxicology.
    Will Stone, NPR, 2 May 2025
  • How Apple and others in Silicon Valley are bracing for Trump tariffs April 5, 2025 How big of a deal is this for Apple?
    Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • In contrast, Trump, who Forbes estimates has a net worth hovering around $5 billion, has surrounded himself with other billionaires, appointing several of them to the wealthiest presidential cabinet in U.S. history.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • Defensive linemen, edge rushers, tight ends and receivers can all clear above $500,000, and some hovered close to $1 million in the winter portal window.
    Sam Khan Jr., New York Times, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The latter two retained the absolutist moral vision that had characterized Western stances at the beginning of the war, clashing with the U.S.’s new position.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 3 May 2025
  • After news organizations such as CBS started publishing lists of names, however, the government appeared to take a more deliberate stance.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Reinvent continuously: Change is the one constant, and knowing that disruption remains at an all-time high, leaders must be able to navigate these changes and fortify their enterprise resilience on an ongoing basis—for both the short- and long-term.
    Muqsit Ashraf, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Georgia’s roster is now fortified for another national championship run, with things seeming to depend on two spots: starting quarterback Gunner Stockton and a young offensive line.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The three-time César nominee and President of the doc prize jury at this year’s Cannes Film Festival will play an expat single mother who runs a floating bar with her teenage son in a luxury resort town in South Africa‘s North West province.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 May 2025
  • The space will be filled with floating candles, wands, mystical music and staff dressed in costume.
    San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • The survey asked participants about their attitudes and behaviors toward cybersecurity at home and in the workplace.
    Kim Key, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025
  • According to a recent survey conducted by TD Cowen and based on answers from 2,000 consumers across key cities in China, significant changes in attitudes are happening across the board as anti-Western sentiment rises.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

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