Definition of aplombnext
1
2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word aplomb distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of aplomb are assurance, confidence, and self-possession. While all these words mean "a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment," aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.

handled the reporters with great aplomb

In what contexts can assurance take the place of aplomb?

The words assurance and aplomb are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers.

handled the cross-examination with complete assurance

When could confidence be used to replace aplomb?

The words confidence and aplomb can be used in similar contexts, but confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance.

the confidence that comes from long experience

When would self-possession be a good substitute for aplomb?

While the synonyms self-possession and aplomb are close in meaning, self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers.

answered the insolent question with complete self-possession

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 aplomb Malinin opened with a big quad flip, opted for a safer triple axel over his quad, and overcame a couple of mistakes along the way to finish with aplomb. Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026 Lehane taps into the paranoia of the 1950s with aplomb, with meticulous research into the McCarthy era. Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026 In later years, the shearling coat in its more Western iteration became a fashion statement beloved by hippies and boho ski bums, and was notably worn with great aplomb by Robert Redford in the 1969 classic Downhill Racer. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 12 Jan. 2026 The ball is ready to drop, and New York City's Times Square is all set to welcome guests from far and wide for its New Year's Eve celebrations to bid 2025 goodbye and welcome the new year with aplomb. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aplomb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aplomb
Noun
  • Kudos to Styles who managed to mostly keep his composure as Hernández glided around him.
    Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
  • His consistent composure is his greatest advantage.
    Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • While Gary and Ezeiruaku have confidence from the coaching staff, a productive double-digit sack player might not be on the roster.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Through his guidance, countless beginners found confidence, joy and a sense of belonging.
    Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The government wasn’t using autonomous weapons and claimed no mass-surveillance plans—but for a company to ask for those assurances in writing was to sign its own death warrant.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Regnitz reiterated, to a second assurance from Gunn.
    Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • With layers that start below the chin and frame your face so flattering, this hairstyle is supposed to exude the self-assurance and effortlessly chic attitude of the quintessential 1990s model cuts (think Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer).
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Jackson was renowned for his soaring rhetoric, his role in the civil-rights movement, and his sharp elbows, but what first struck me about him, as a young reporter only a couple of years out of journalism school, was his boundless energy and self-assurance.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Courtesy of Netflix Advertisement Ha has felt particularly inspired by Sophie’s self-assuredness.
    Kat Moon, Time, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Hafley said his coaching experience at Boston College not only taught him what to do differently, but also lifted his self-assuredness in his first NFL head coaching job.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Aplomb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aplomb. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on aplomb

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster