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
A day after rookie second baseman Christian Moore threw out a runner at the plate in extra innings, Washington complimented the 22-year-old’s poise to make that play. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 17 June 2025 The images have a poise, a calm, a precision that, from the contemplative safety of the stands, is all the more passionately attentive to the danger that Roca, his team, and, for that matter, the bulls confront. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
Verb
We are poised to build a series of major new projects in the national interest. Jordan King shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 By the time Alex is poised to shoot her, the smoke alarm goes off, the delayed result of Charlie cranking up the burners in the safe house. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
  • Rather than aiming for a constant fixed equilibrium, dynamic leadership is about ongoing adjustments.
    IESE Business School, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • His ostentatious well-being is scorned by Walker, who equates equilibrium with compromise.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Members of the House will also debate a measure that could clarify the federal government’s regulatory posture toward crypto, as well as another bill that would prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing its own digital asset.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • Despite its autonomous posture, Varda is not actually anti-human spaceflight.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • As school districts brace for budget shortfalls, communities await a decision that could reshape access to education and enrichment nationwide.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • Inflation data Stock futures were higher before the bell on Tuesday as investors braced for June’s consumer price index, due in at 8:30 a.m. ET.
    Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Gold has been hovering in the mid-$3,300s this week, but a change in the appetite for stocks could raise demand for the precious metal.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Our first destination, with the hazy sun hovering over the Norway pine trees skirting Mirror Lake, was the beach bar.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Most analysts on Wall Street have joined the analyst in taking a bullish stance on the name, as 56 out of 62 analysts in all have a strong buy or buy rating, per LSEG data.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 15 July 2025
  • Remaining neutral might be seen as a stance in itself.
    Esau McCaulley, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Both cow's milk and oat milk may be fortified with vitamins A and D, so check the label for vitamin content.8 Vitamin A: Helps to keep the skin and eyes healthy.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 12 July 2025
  • Khan, by contrast, is being tasked with a narrower but highly strategic mission: fortifying Apple's supply chain, localizing production, and driving environmental accountability.
    Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Following that, Smith, 26 at the time, was assigned to the USS Carl Vinson — a massive aircraft carrier that doubles as a floating city.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Use floating row covers over seedlings and susceptible crops such as eggplants, which can be decimated by flea beetles.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • But the hustle down the line that followed, resulting in a single for the visiting leadoff hitter to start Friday’s 7-6 win over the A’s, was a representation of Lukes’ hard-working attitude, according to his former head coach at Sacramento State, Reggie Christiansen.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025
  • That sense of awe can improve our well-being, contribute to a more positive attitude, and boost curiosity.
    Anthony Fredericks, CNBC, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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