Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

poise

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of poise

1 a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another
  • there must be a poise between the rights of the individual and the rights of society
Synonyms of poise

balance, counterpoise, equilibration, equilibrium, equipoise, stasis
Words Related to poise

counterbalance, offset

firmness, fixedness, security, stability, steadiness
Near Antonyms of poise

changeability, fluctuation, inconstancy, insecurity, instability, mutability, precariousness, shakiness, unsteadiness, volatility
Antonyms of poise

disequilibration, disequilibrium, imbalance, nonequilibrium, unbalance
2 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 of poise

attitude, carriage, posture, stance, station
Words Related to poise

attention

body language

pose, seat

bearing, behavior, conduct, demeanor, deportment

air, poise, presence

aspect, look, mien

Synonym Discussion of poise

tact, address, poise, savoir faire mean skill and grace in dealing with others. tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.
    • questions showing a lack of tact
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
poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.
    • answered the accusations with unruffled poise
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

poise

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of poise

1 to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
  • the disgraced business executive poised herself for the difficult press conference
Synonyms of poise

brace, forearm, fortify, nerve, psych (up), ready, steel, strengthen
Words Related to poise

arm

harden, inure, season, toughen

bolster, boost, buoy (up), buttress, enforce, prop (up), reinforce (also reenforce), support, sustain

cheer (up), comfort, embolden, encourage, hearten, inspire

rally, rouse, stir
Near Antonyms of poise

daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit, psych (out), shake, unnerve

debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, prostrate, sap, soften, tire, undercut, undermine, weaken
2 to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air
  • the falcon poised in the air for an instant before diving to attack its prey
Synonyms of poise

drift, float, glide, hang, hover, ride, sail, swim, waft
Words Related to poise

bob, dangle, suspend

buoy

balloon, raft
Near Antonyms of poise

dive, lunge, plunge

dip, immerse, submerge, submerse
Antonyms of poise

settle, sink

Learn More about poise

  1. See words that rhyme with poise Dictionary: Definition of poise Medical Dictionary: Definition of poise Spanish Central: Translation of poise Nglish: Translation of poise for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of poise for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about poise

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up poise? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

inexorable

Listen to the pronounciation of inexorable

not to be persuaded, moved, or stopped

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. surveillance Comey comments on Barr's use of 'spy'

  2. cavalier Virginia wins men's championship

  3. redact, redacted Barr discusses release of report

SEE ALL
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games