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
• 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
• care
• apprehension
• uneasiness
• solicitude
• disquiet
• worry
• discomposure
• alarm
• nervousness
• apprehensiveness
• excitability
• anxiousness
• 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

Put through reasonable paces, the Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE transitions from street driving to natural obstacles with aplomb, whether the operator allows the onboard computer systems to choose the driving mode or opts for manual choice. —John Scott Lewinski, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2026

The Raptors pushed off with aplomb Tuesday. —Eric Koreen, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

In his teaching, Weil conveyed his love for Russian literature’s very lengthy — and at times dark and depressing — novels with enthusiasm and aplomb, colleagues recalled. —Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

With a peppy MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor, this unit handles all kinds of Android apps with aplomb, benchmarking exceptionally across all of our tests. —K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026

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