poise 1 of 2

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as in posture
a general way of holding the body the woman's poise suggested that she was accustomed to having her wishes carried out promptly and without question

Synonyms & Similar Words

poise

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poise different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of poise are address, savoir faire, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When would address be a good substitute for poise?

The words address and poise can be used in similar contexts, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When can savoir faire be used instead of poise?

The words savoir faire and poise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Where would tact be a reasonable alternative to poise?

The meanings of tact and poise largely overlap; however, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

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 poise
Noun
And though this slick east-side restaurant has loosened up a bit, the razor-sharp staff still runs the place like the fine-dining spectacle it's been for 20 years, with perfect pacing and so much poise. Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025 Few materials in perfumery possess the balance and poise of sandalwood, a note often used in a supporting role—but one deserving of its own spotlight. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
And if recent polls hold, the Democrat, Abigail Spanberger, is poised to defeat the Republican, Winsome Earle-Sears. ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025 And while mediators such as the United States, Egypt and Qatar play key roles in setting the political conditions for deals, the ICRC alone is poised to facilitate such swaps. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
  • These problems also occurred in the first weeks of the previous cease-fire, which lasted from January to March of this year; once the level of aid reached an equilibrium with the population’s needs, however, the looting abated.
    Jeremy Konyndyk, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The two players in their scenario were already in a state of equilibrium.
    Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s quiet posture in Virginia is not new.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Besides promoting pain-free movement, building your back muscles strengthens the supporting muscles that aid in posture and stability.
    Leoni Jesner, Health, 1 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • From the start, her campaign braced for a tough final push; no less than Barack Obama is heading to the state in the final days to pitch in.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Nov. 2025
  • In a culture where Hollywood creators worry about an AI takeover while a video-watching citizenry braces itself for a wave of synthetic media from Sora 2 and others, an AI commercial at this level is no small thing.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Javier Mascherano’s side took firm control in the 62nd minute when Messi, hovering deep, fed overlapping fullback Ian Fray down the right, and the Jamaican international’s cross was perfectly headed home by Tadeo Allende.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • After midnight on September 30th, helicopters hovered above a large Chicago apartment building, and heavily armored agents rappelled from the choppers onto the roof.
    Veralyn Williams, NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That belief shapes her stance on AI as a thinking partner, as a collaborator rather than a competitor.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
  • While Wall Street seems to live and die on the slightest hints about the Federal Reserve’s rate stance, Chair Jerome Powell doesn’t think the tech giants behind the AI boom will be swayed by incremental moves in monetary policy.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Since then, Xi has sought to fortify Chinese industry titans, including Huawei, China Rare Earths Group, and EV maker BYD.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • For example, state parties now get major influxes of cash, to the tune of a million dollars a month, to hire staff, set up programs, and fortify their ranks.
    Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • This is a type of vertigo that happens when canaliths, which are small pieces of calcium, are floating inside your inner ear canals.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Add texture to beds, couches, and chairs with a plush faux rabbit fur throw blanket, incorporate a pop of color with a throw pillow, and dress up your walls with practical floating shelves or sconces.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The conversation seems to have marked a shift in the right’s attitudes about Fuentes.
    Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Is that indicative of a telling contrast in attitudes?
    Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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