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
Except in the case of commissions like Michelle Obama or Breonna Taylor, her models are strangers chosen for their poise, style, or wit. Okla Jones, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025 In any event, expect compliments on your delivery and poise. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
Without the well or ill-intentioned guide of theological doctrine, everything stands poised to become a metaphor. Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025 Whitney warns that the situation is poised to worsen, with impending wage garnishment for seriously delinquent student-loan debt set to further squeeze this cohort. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
  • They are defined under equilibrium conditions where the system is stable over time.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
  • But while the market appears balanced, the transition from summer languidity to fall busyness could set the stage for a sharp transition in dynamics and an equilibrium shock.
    John Walkup, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Deals can stall or collapse if a prospective client is not confident in a company’s security posture.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • This represents a fundamental shift in retail strategy, from the growth focused mentality of the past decade to a more defensive posture focused on protecting margins and operational control.
    Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Windy City has prepared for more than a week for looming National Guard deployments and Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, from the governor bracing for a court fight to parade planners postponing.
    Priscilla Alvarez, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Lucid Motors As luxury electric vehicle company Lucid Motors prepares to launch its Gravity SUV in Europe, interim CEO Marc Winterhoff is bracing for a fast-approaching deadline in the United States and laying out his strategy for dealing with its after-effects.
    Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Parents who hover too closely — always ready to smooth the path, to shield from discomfort — may unintentionally rob their children of the chance to develop resilience.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • No more hovering at the oven door.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But Republicans’ long-running internal fights over how to handle health insurance coverage are far from settled, and party leaders are not eager to take a firm stance.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Another user took an even stronger stance, siding firmly with the teen.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Trying to stay ahead of the game, for Dick’s the acquisition of Foot Locker also fortifies relationships with Nike and Adidas, which still dominate global footwear sales, and gives Dick’s negotiating leverage.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • In the ultra-competitive Western Conference, the purple and gold will be looking to continue fortifying their roster, likely through the start of the regular season, with the trade deadline of February 6th circled on their calendar.
    Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This is not a wallowing cruiser that isolates the driver in a leather cocoon, floating along, not entirely sure where the front end is.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Another feature that’s worth highlighting is the 129 square-foot sleeping loft that can accommodate a bed, small nightstands, floating shelves, and even a houseplant or two.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Two Hearts Of A New MacBook Apple has been reluctant to feed these demands over the last decade, but there are signs that the attitude is thawing.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The attitude of last season has vanished, replaced by that performative pregame dustup as Texas A&M headed toward its locker room.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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