Synonyms of aplomb

aplomb

noun

ə-ˈpläm 

1

as in composure

evenness of emotions or temper

you've handled a difficult situation with perfect aplomb

Synonyms & Similar Words

• composure
• sangfroid
• calmness
• equanimity
• tranquillity
• coolness
• imperturbability
• self-possession
• collectedness
• serenity
• equilibrium
• confidence
• placidity
• poise
• assurance
• countenance
• self-assurance
• tranquility
• cool
• tranquilness
• self-confidence
• repose
• composedness
• self-assuredness
• self-composedness
• indifference
• unconcern
• impassivity
• self-trust
• numbness
• apathy
• phlegm
• detachment
• easygoingness
• insensibility
• laid-backness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agitation
• concern
• perturbation
• anxiety
• apprehension
• care
• uneasiness
• solicitude
• disquiet
• worry
• discomposure
• alarm
• anxiousness
• nervousness
• apprehensiveness
• excitability
• alarum
• disturbance
• excitableness

2

as in confidence

great faith in oneself or one's abilities

carried herself with the dignity and aplomb of a born leader

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confidence
• composure
• assurance
• self-assurance
• self-assuredness
• self-confidence
• pridefulness
• pride
• self-trust
• vanity
• smugness
• hubris
• equanimity
• pomposity
• cockiness
• self-esteem
• complacency
• self-satisfaction
• overconfidence
• calmness
• pompousness
• self-complacency
• coolness
• conceitedness
• ego
• superiority
• self-importance
• self-admiration
• vainglory
• complacence
• egoism
• hauteur
• self-opinion
• self-content
• imperiousness
• conceit
• egotism
• self-conceit
• superciliousness
• self-contentment
• self-possession
• self-glorification
• self-applause
• haughtiness
• self-consequence
• vaingloriousness
• self-assumption
• loftiness
• presumptuousness
• peremptoriness
• lordliness
• assumption
• huffiness
• pretentiousness
• bumptiousness
• self-poise
• self-partiality
• toploftiness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• diffidence
• insecurity
• doubt
• apprehension
• self-doubt
• misgiving
• self-distrust

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

Recent Examples of aplomb

The wit and wordplay never cease, and there’s much pleasure to be drawn from Colman and Cumberbatch spitting McNamara’s contemptuous dialogue with aplomb. —Katie Walsh, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025

Seth Meyers handled himself with similar grace and aplomb when Hurricane Sharon blew into 30 Rock. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025

But as details of the red-haired Brooklyn native’s resourcefulness and aplomb became clearer, her story captured the admiration of many Americans from the host of total strangers who sent her flowers and cards, to hosts of national TV news programs. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025

Castillo’s prose is luminous and lucid, balancing humor and emotion with wicked aplomb. —Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025

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