imperturbability 1 of 2

imperturbable

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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
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 Minsky is the very opposite: chipper, imperturbable, and with impeccable manners. Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024 Both were introverts by nature and, for the most part, imperturbable on the court. Cindy Shmerler, New York Times, 24 May 2024 Susie Glass, the crime boss Eddie reports to, is essentially a carbon copy of Michelle Dockery’s Rosalind, from her cherry-red lips to her sky-high stilettos to her generally imperturbable air. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for imperturbability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperturbability
Noun
  • Maintaining its strong Eastern Conference standing will require a level of finishing and composure that was noticeably absent Saturday night.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025
  • After the one-two punch (or burning, or stabbing) of the siege on Jackson and Joel’s murder, a more sedate, transitional episode lets the characters regain their composure as much as the viewers.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Heat and Grizzlies gave the people nonchalant regular-season basketball, and got thrown out the club as a result.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • But despite his nonchalant vibe, Poulter is completely locked in, never distracted by the frequent comings and goings around us.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The evening is expected to be calm and mild with a low of 57.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Even the galaxy’s central supermassive black hole, which is more than 2,000 times more massive than the Milky Way’s central black hole, is fairly calm.
    Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The bedrooms offer a serene retreat with plush bedding and ample storage, while the bathrooms feature sleek fixtures and finishes.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025
  • World of Hyatt’s new Mazatlán resort has a dreamy destination spa, an almost endless beach, and serene rooms made for decompressing complete with real-life wave sounds.
    Johanna Read, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the immediate aftermath, the shooting leaves Elsbeth’s son, Teddy (Ben Levi Ross), disillusioned enough to abandon his plans to follow her into law, and his usually unflappable mother is too traumatized to put up a fight in the matter.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The typically unflappable guard let his arms linger for a couple of seconds, as if to savor the breakthrough.
    Darnell Mayberry, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The speech was met with interruptions from hecklers, prompting Kennedy to remain composed and even express gratitude for the lessons learned from such interactions.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The resort’s composed, perfectionist manager who returned to Japan after years in New York’s hospitality industry.
    Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As leaders, our job is to make accountability an unshakable standard.
    Shivali Kukreja, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • His strong supporters remained unshakable, at 96% approval.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Instead, Kvitova produced a nerveless performance, finishing off the match with her first ace of the final.
    Danielle Rossingh, Forbes, 27 June 2021

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Cite this Entry

“Imperturbability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperturbability. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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