1
as in nonchalant
having or showing freedom from worries or troubles
his debonair dismissal of my inquiry concerning his financial situation led me to believe that nothing was wrong
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sophisticated
having or showing very polished and worldly manners
the debonair gentleman charmed all of the ladies in the room
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debonair
Chinese movie star Hu Ge gives a debonair lead performance as Ah Bao, a mysterious power player who owes his rapid rise to the tutelage of an elderly ex-con, Uncle Ye (You Benchang).
—
Judy Berman, Time, 28 Nov. 2025
Riquelme Vega, a major Chilean drug importer; and Raffaele Imperiale, a debonair Italian linked to the Camorra.
—Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Wig-wise, dark curls for Scarlett are a must, while Rhett needs a debonair mustache.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2025
That tone deafness aside, Usher knows how to command a stage and leave a debonair impression.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 12 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for debonair
Judy Berman, Time, 28 Nov. 2025
Riquelme Vega, a major Chilean drug importer; and Raffaele Imperiale, a debonair Italian linked to the Camorra.
—Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Wig-wise, dark curls for Scarlett are a must, while Rhett needs a debonair mustache.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2025
That tone deafness aside, Usher knows how to command a stage and leave a debonair impression.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 12 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for debonair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debonair
Adjective
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No doubt that playful warmth played a part in him being cast as Luffy, a hilariously nonchalant, yet utterly sincere would-be pirate.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
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To be so nonchalant about that.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Instead, The Standard, Ibiza, presents itself as a bolthole for an in-the-know, sophisticated, and louche crowd that wants a bit of buzz but without any over-the-top hoopla.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 Mar. 2026
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Featuring an eye-catching geometric border in beige against a dark brown base, the rug offers a sophisticated look with a sleek edge that enhances your decor and furnishings.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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For outerwear, boxy check blazers and cape-like ponchos provided chic coverage, and to close out the show, a series of ethereal ruffled gowns embodied the carefree essence of Chloé.—
Kevin Huynh,
InStyle,
12 Mar. 2026
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While nostalgia—drawing people to the warmth, color, and the carefree spirit of the 1970s—certainly plays a role, leaning back into this style is also about creating spaces that feel personal, expressive, and welcoming.—
Shivani Vyas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Despite the gaps in the Peaky Blinders lineup, the show’s iconic universe of tan-colored leather, suave tailoring, hard liquor, swill, and grime has been carefully restored.—
Miriam Balanescu,
IndieWire,
5 Mar. 2026
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A-list guests were popping in and out, and suave pilots were swinging through.—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Beyoncé's butterscotch blonde boasts the insouciant, melty finish that defines the old money approach and provides a natural extension of her natural brunette.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
3 Mar. 2026
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Even now, almost two decades after his death, the French couturier remains a household name, synonymous with effortless style and an insouciant sexiness that few can hope to capture in quite the same way.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The graceful coupe mixed style—just look at those gullwing doors—and performance like few cars before it, and few cars since.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
9 Mar. 2026
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Then the graceful roll of the ball with his studs smoothly took him past another two to shoot at goal.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Get stuck with a cavalier team of baggage handlers, and it can even get soaked in your favorite fragrance or antiaging serum.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
8 Mar. 2026
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Students are cavalier about turning AI writing in to me.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Denying them those opportunities in an attempt to punish their parents should be abhorrent to any civilized nation.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
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Both expect their rivalry to stay civilized.—
Pien Huang,
NPR,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debonair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debonair. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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