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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
Caleb Williams displayed poise, tossing four touchdowns and avoiding pressure for the first time this season. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 That’s poise, confidence and coaching. David Teel, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
His experience in the automotive industry, which has more stringent and advanced sustainability regulations, is poised to provide a strong foundation for the executive to navigate similar change within fashion, Daveu said. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025 If the early tea leaves are any indication, at least one member of the Charlotte Hornets could be poised for a noteworthy 2025-26 campaign. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
  • The shock to Hal and Kate’s equilibrium, already unsteady to begin with, is even more rewarding.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Some interactions can push systems out of balance, while others pull an ecosystem closer to equilibrium.
    Alexandra A Phillips, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • My posture is better and my back doesn’t hurt as much.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The researchers noted that torsional loading is not as strongly associated with injury risk as vertical loading, but future work may explore whether improved stroller design or posture cues could mitigate those twisting forces.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lawmakers are bracing for another Senate vote attempting to end the government shutdown as the impact of funding drying up continues to ripple across the country nearly two weeks into the standoff.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
  • American consumers who have come to expect an endless supply of cheap goods that roll off Chinese conveyor belts are bracing for higher prices.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Weekly jobless claims remain volatile, hovering around 217,000 as of mid-October, while consumer confidence has stagnated at historically low levels.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Just smear fake blood on your face, get gussied up in your finest wedding attire, and make sure to pose throughout the night, your lips hovering just inches away from each other, but never quite touching.
    James Factora, Them., 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • News of the White House’s softening stance prompted Wall Street to claw back about half of Friday’s losses—a narrative that is becoming par for the course (to leverage the lingo of the president’s favorite pastime).
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
  • If Congress passes a new funding bill, the Office of Management and Budget’s stance will determine whether those payments proceed immediately or face further delay.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • These moves have fortified Fashionphile’s position as a global player in luxury resale, and with the acquisition of Luxe Collective, its omnichannel operations will now stretch across North America and Europe.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The wide receiver spot has been fortified more with four-stars and transfers, the result being depth.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Young placed an accurate pass to McMillan on a slant route, but the ball bounced off McMillan’s hands and floated into the mitts of Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson for an interception.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • From that starting spot, though, McKennie ran or floated into just about every zone in the attacking half.
    Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Another source explained how Andrew and Anne differ in their attitudes as royals.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Levshunov’s attitude should help.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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