1
as in equilibrium
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 & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
1
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
the disgraced business executive poised herself for the difficult press conference
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hover
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 & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Aspiring speakers can also benefit from personal coaching, mentorship, speaking workshops, online courses and improv or acting classes to develop authenticity and poise.
—Dr. Sharon H. Porter, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
She also was poised to potentially earn $2 million more in compensation over a legal dispute with the manufacturer of two metal hip replacements that went wrong, the Daily Mail reported.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for poise
Noun
An excellent processor for his age, Manning shows poise against pressure and already has put several examples on film of being able to move beyond a second (or even third) read from the pocket.
—Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Aspiring speakers can also benefit from personal coaching, mentorship, speaking workshops, online courses and improv or acting classes to develop authenticity and poise.
—Dr. Sharon H. Porter, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Verb
The Thunder had led the whole game and at times looked ready to deliver the killer blow, poised to go on one of their devastating runs that have been a signature move this season.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
She also was poised to potentially earn $2 million more in compensation over a legal dispute with the manufacturer of two metal hip replacements that went wrong, the Daily Mail reported.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
-
This chart represents a domestic market with the intersection of the supply and demand lines representing the equilibrium point.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
4 June 2025
-
As bond market prices seek a new equilibrium, risk and reward dynamics can become unanchored from fundamentals, as exemplified by this article’s findings.—
Ivan Illan,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
Historically, the use of scientific consensus as a method of understanding scientific postures has been relatively popular and construed as the standard way of doing things.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
-
That’s because sturdier glutes help bolster your knees and lower back—and are linked with better posture and gait patterns to boot.—
Christa Sgobba,
SELF,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
Some of the nation’s leading tourist destinations, including Orlando, Miami and Los Angeles, are bracing for how the decline will impact businesses that rely on spending from international travelers.—
Jason Carroll,
CNN Money,
7 June 2025
-
Analysts were bracing for a weaker result that would reflect the impact of Trump’s tariff policies, and other signs of a potentially slowing economy.—
Kevin Breuninger,Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
Police helicopters hovered as marchers wove between vehicles.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2025
-
There’s also more heightened genre elements, including explosions, gun fights and a mysterious corporate private plane hovering over the desert.—
Lauren Coates,
Variety,
10 June 2025
Noun
-
Post-earnings positioning: Investigate the link between immediate and medium-term returns after earnings are released, then adjust your stance accordingly.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
-
Torres had a narrow stance with a huge leg kick in eighth grade.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
Ureña, a hard-throwing right-hander who was signed on Tuesday to help fortify a bullpen that has been ravaged by injuries, replaced Dreyer with a runner on first and one out in the sixth and gave up a single to Pete Alonso.—
Mike Digiovanna,
Oc Register,
5 June 2025
-
Bristol Myers Squibb on Monday made a splashy move to fortify its drug pipeline.—
Natasha Abellard,
CNBC,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
Bongino updated Fox News host Sean Hannity on the investigation into the Epstein file as conspiracies continue to float that he was murdered in prison.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
5 June 2025
-
The smell of fresh doughnuts, floating like gorgeous golden life preservers in the shimmering fat of the fryer, hits you in the parking lot.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
Fermin is an example to any budding professional for his work ethic and humble attitude.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
-
Vance, who collaborated with Hughes on four films, decided Bueller’s costume should defy mainstream ‘80s fashion to reflect his rebellious attitude.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share