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
In any event, expect compliments on your delivery and poise. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025 The Switzerland forward’s instincts were rhythm and poise. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 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
  • This approach is at its most successful in In Farthest Seas, even as Romano maintains an impossible equilibrium throughout, effectively balancing each word and each epiphany within the musical whole.
    Brian Robert Moore September 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
  • While unemployment remains stable for now, experts warn the equilibrium is fragile, and even a modest rise in layoffs could have wider ripple effects throughout the economy.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 5 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
  • As for most of the tournament, Sinner’s first-serve percentage hovered around 50, and Auger-Aliassime took the initiative with flashing forehands and the bravery to go after his shots in baseline rallies.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • In addition to the newfound in-state rivalry, a sense of nostalgia hovered over pregame activities.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 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
  • Purdy scrambled to his right and floated a ball toward backup tight end Jake Tonges in the back of the end zone.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • There are a few self-balancing concepts floating about, including ones from Honda and Yamaha and this entirely self-driving scooter, but nothing's close to hitting the market anytime soon.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This yuckster attitude was apparently contagious, because Gray herself got in on the act on a day in which she was scheduled to kiss the young hunk Christopher Atkins, who had a recurring role for one season as a camp counselor.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025
  • His hands-on approach and demanding attitude combines with high popularity.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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