imperturbability 1 of 2

Definition of imperturbabilitynext

imperturbable

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word imperturbable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of imperturbable are collected, composed, cool, nonchalant, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

In what contexts can collected take the place of imperturbable?

The words collected and imperturbable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When is composed a more appropriate choice than imperturbable?

Although the words composed and imperturbable have much in common, composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

When can cool be used instead of imperturbable?

In some situations, the words cool and imperturbable are roughly equivalent. However, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

When is it sensible to use nonchalant instead of imperturbable?

While in some cases nearly identical to imperturbable, nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

When could unruffled be used to replace imperturbable?

While the synonyms unruffled and imperturbable are close in meaning, unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

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 imperturbability
Adjective
This low-volatility ascent since April quite resembles the imperturbable rally through all of 2017. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025 Valeska is the movie’s stabilizing presence, imperturbable even in the face of potential natural disaster. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2025 Standing in the rostrum of the House of Representatives, a gavel in her hand and a look of imperturbable stoicism on her face, Ms. Harris officiated as the two houses of Congress met in joint session to formally count the Electoral College votes for president. Peter Baker, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025 The team’s droll, imperturbable manager, Dave Roberts, spent much of his summer issuing medical briefings on infirm pitchers. Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for imperturbability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperturbability
Noun
  • Lue, who has guided the Clippers to this point with equal measure of faith and composure, said the team needs to focus on Wednesday’s game – not look ahead to a second Play-In game or a first-round series or backward to what has transpired.
    Janis Carr, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Mendoza wins with size, command, accuracy, red-zone efficiency and grown-man composure.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Fagen’s nonchalant cameo, though, got the Steely Dan community in a tizzy.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Scott inflicts Ohm’s nonchalant meanness with a piercingly perverse matter-of-factness that places the character as far away as possible from the realm of likeability.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The feature is set in British Columbia, largely in the span of a summer during the nineteen-nineties, in a calm residential suburb on the ruggedly alluring Vancouver Island.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • This is altered by telehealth, which allows patients to start this delicate procedure in a calm, secure and private setting.
    Lucy Jones April 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The studio successfully created sophisticated spaces of serene minimalism, using rich natural materials like marble and oak wood which is best showcased in the generous bedrooms and the wellness area complete with an indoor pool.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
  • For families Teenagers 13 and up are welcome to join their families, but a child-free policy keeps the hotel a serene haven for soul searching.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Massachusetts resident Stephen Chukumba, who featured in the original short and has stepped up to producing for this feature, faces less drastic life choices, especially since his transgender son Hobbes, a delightfully phlegmatic, unflappable kid, is now old enough to go off to university.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Pavlovic is unflappable in possession, sees the game around him with such clarity already, and has every chance of becoming a global star.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • McIlroy overcame some early inconsistency to put together a composed round, while Burns leaned on excellent ball-striking to match him at the top.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Before Tuesday night, Konate had looked much more composed and commanding.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Seeing credit cards has shocked some customers who thought Carshon’s was unshakable.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2026
  • But while Simmons seemed unshakable, DoorDash was shook.
    Chris Brennan, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His eagerness to get on the ball, even in his own half, the two nerveless penalties, and the blistering finish for his third goal would all suggest not.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • As did the nerveless manner in which the striker — who turns 38 in March — sent goalkeeper Harry Tyrer the wrong way from the spot to clinch another three points.
    Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imperturbability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperturbability. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.

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