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
  • With the quarterfinal in a frantic deciding set, Kostyuk gathered her composure first to win in one hour and 49 minutes, becoming the first Ukrainian woman to reach the last four at Roland Garros in the Open Era.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
  • The Wildcats scored three runs in the fifth as Regis Jesuit lost its composure on several plays, allowing Arvada West to gain momentum.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Slattery has a knack for giving big performances that also feel nonchalant, almost like he’s been there in that backyard the whole time yelling about lettuce, and a TV production just happened to set up shop around him.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 May 2026
  • In the world of street style, models offer a particular brand of nonchalant cool that the industry has long been obsessed with.
    Christina Holevas, Vogue, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • The atmosphere surrounding the state championships was notably calmer than a year ago, when demonstrations over Hernandez’s participation drew national attention.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
  • The wind whips through my hair as the gleaming new fiberglass speedboat accelerates out of the calm bay and into open waters, striped in shades of turquoise, in defiance of the name.
    Lauren Keith, Robb Report, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • The top floor isn’t just an event space with a panoramic view; Tsien describes it as a serene, almost spiritual space.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 June 2026
  • Blue-toned light may look serene.
    Allison Palmer Updated June 4, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Ty France is an unflappable first baseman, Tatis is becoming increasingly comfortable and increasingly spectacular at second, and Bogaerts is arguably playing at a Gold Glove level at shortstop.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
  • When leaders appear unflappable and unshakeable, everything downstream appears to operate that much better, so leaders project invincibility.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • Americans have known Fox News’s Kayleigh McEnany as the composed woman behind the podium, forcefully defending administration policy in the White House briefing room, sparring with reporters on live television, or navigating the relentless pressures of national politics.
    Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Zulfi is an iconoclast and a hustler, a man who dreams of opening a Muslims-only version of Uber and who, even in the face of Shah’s elitism and English society’s broader wariness, holds onto an unshakable optimism.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 May 2026
  • The Vegas Golden Knights’ stunning comeback win over the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday night was only possible because of a seemingly unshakable composure.
    Jesse Granger, New York Times, 25 May 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 6 Jun. 2026.

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