1
as in confident
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
1
as in braced
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 hovered
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 poised
Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2025
Wearing a sleeveless, moisture-wicking workout shirt suctioned to his imposing frame, Bowyer comes across as poised, calm — almost eerily so.
—David Amsden, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
Honeywell is poised to capitalize on this enthusiasm by taking its quantum subsidiary, Quantinuum, public, reportedly seeking a $13 billion valuation.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for poised
Adjective
Here was the postwar American housewife—neatly dressed, pretty, poised, active—stepping unwittingly into a scene of utter depravity and sadism that reflected back at this wholesome young mother the darkest recesses of the human mind.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2025
Wearing a sleeveless, moisture-wicking workout shirt suctioned to his imposing frame, Bowyer comes across as poised, calm — almost eerily so.
—David Amsden, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
This year, for season two, he is poised to land another nom.
—Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
Honeywell is poised to capitalize on this enthusiasm by taking its quantum subsidiary, Quantinuum, public, reportedly seeking a $13 billion valuation.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for poised
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poised
Adjective
-
But the mayor ought to answer why, in light of this seeming betrayal, businesses still should feel confident discussing sensitive matters with him.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 2026
-
The jury, under the excellent presidency of Park Chan-wook, who was both generous and confident, had extremely varied and highly democratic debates.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
He-Man was now a jolly, quip-ready hero, whose best friends were scaredy-cat Cringer (a green-and-yellow tiger who transformed into Battle Cat), and an annoying, hovering magician called Orko.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
1 June 2026
-
This is surprising for something that is supposed to require less hovering, especially if the host is out of hearing range of the device's alerts.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In the stands, Toomey braced himself.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
Russia has been using long-range ballistic missiles and drones to damage Ukraine’s power grid and hammer cities, and Ukraine has braced for further heavy bombardments.—
Stephen McGrath,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
In college, my smoking habit hovered at a solid two packs of Marlboro Lights a day.—
Kimberly McCreight,
Time,
3 June 2026
-
The reason the recent numbers are important is that the proposal would lock in a 50/50 split, whereas the free-market system has historically hovered around it.—
Maury Brown,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Americans have known Fox News’s Kayleigh McEnany as the composed woman behind the podium, forcefully defending administration policy in the White House briefing room, sparring with reporters on live television, or navigating the relentless pressures of national politics.—
Kiara Moore,
The Washington Examiner,
17 May 2026
-
McIlroy overcame some early inconsistency to put together a composed round, while Burns leaned on excellent ball-striking to match him at the top.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Opt for bigger hanging bulbs, discrete flickers, or even hanging sheaths.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
3 Apr. 2026
-
To maintain the immersive illusion, Iñárritu eschewed traditional hanging fabric.—
Robert Lang,
Deadline,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In his lethal line of work, Lobo comes fortified with an arsenal of guns, blades, grenades, and a wicked titanium chain equipped with a sharp hook.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
6 June 2026
-
Roboto is a Heroic Warrior whose great strength and defense capabilities are fortified by her metal body.—
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 June 2026
Verb
-
Sánchez, during a mound visit in the sixth inning with Toronto down 6-0, appeared to engage with fans and wave his glove before an object sailed from the outfield and hit his right arm.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
-
Where Joie De Vivre Sails Since launching in 2017, Joie De Vivre has primarily sailed the Seine from Paris to Normandy and back.—
Chrissie McClatchie,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Poised.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poised. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
