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
  • Four years on, the Loom & Leaf hasn’t lost its composure.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The Dolphins defense kept its composure and didn’t start tackling Bears offensive players once the Bears were delivering blows.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Her opponent was a noisy avalanche of language, but Kuang appeared cool and nonchalant.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Often, that involves baring her growing baby bump in a cool, nonchalant way.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Life during wartime will make what came before seem positively calm.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Developing temperance involves cultivating the five habits of being calm, composed, patient, prudent, and self-controlled, which depend on regulating the PABC systems.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Best Places To Stay In Blairsville, GA For a private and comfortable retreat, spend the weekend at Creekside Cottages, which has three quaint stays located along the serene Butternut Creek.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Soak and steam your way into bliss in the Erre Spa at Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc or the wellness center at Montana Lodge & Spa. Go snowshoeing through the serene Val Veny, then warm up with a long lunch in a cozy rifugio.
    Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Cade Smith remains an unflappable cyborg now tasked with the ninth inning, and Hunter Gaddis has submitted solid numbers in a setup role.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Scheffler wasn’t unflappable on the back nine, though.
    Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Her parents, Bertram and Olga, operated a music school and composed music.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Yet for all the nerves, there is great pride in Yoro’s calm and composed performances, which have quickly taken him to the top.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Now, President Donald Trump’s new 50% aluminum tariffs could finally crack its unshakable price tag.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2025
  • The sharp back-and-forth between two of the world’s most powerful right-wing figures marked a stunning unraveling of their once unshakable political alliance.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 June 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 23 Aug. 2025.

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