1
as in braced
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
the disgraced business executive poised herself for the difficult press conference
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
1
as in confident
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of poised
Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 July 2025
The Knicks retain a loaded roster led by All-NBA guard Jalen Brunson and remain poised to contend in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025
Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025
Investors will be looking at whether the company is poised for more growth as ChatGPT continues to threaten its business model.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poised
Verb
Emily is a poised and successful art gallery director whose life takes a dark turn after a brief, impulsive affair with a magnetic Italian artist, Carlo (Antonio Cupo).
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 July 2025
The Knicks retain a loaded roster led by All-NBA guard Jalen Brunson and remain poised to contend in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025
Adjective
That call is poised to be a big one, with Ellison and his senior leadership team expected to give their financial outlook and strategy for the company.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025
Investors will be looking at whether the company is poised for more growth as ChatGPT continues to threaten its business model.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poised
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poised
Verb
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Colleges had braced for a significant drop in the number of international students due to changes in federal policies.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
jsonline.com,
22 Oct. 2025
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But Preller and others in the organization had braced for Shildt’s potential departure.—
Dennis Lin,
New York Times,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Kansas City's brisk temperatures hovered in the low 50s as the red-and-gold looked to extend its winning record.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
28 Oct. 2025
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The number of murders attributed to the Boston Strangler has long hovered around 13 women, killed between June 14, 1962, and January 1964, all in the greater Boston area.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Elegant, confident and eternally expressive, both make a stylish pair, effortlessly turning heads while basking in the adoration.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
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Officials, though, are less confident that a trade agreement discussed in July will be finalized, as the countries remain deadlocked over the details of Seoul’s $350 billion investment pledge.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Today’s newspaperman is not fortified by the same crusading spirit.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
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However, many apple juice products are fortified with vitamin C.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The goalie made a shoulder save on a wrist shot by captain Jared Spurgeon, but the rebound sailed high into the air, then landed in the crease.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
29 Oct. 2025
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Kasay’s ensuing 45-yard kick sailed just wide right.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Senne Lammens continuing his composed start to his United career could at least counteract those types of chances for Brighton, while Amorim’s defenders will need to be astute to the movement of Hurzeler’s front-line.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Only on particularly bumpy tarmac did the GTS-spec suspension become too jarring with the adaptive dampers stiffened up in sport mode, but switching them to normal offered the best of both worlds—excellent, composed body control and tuning that ironed out imperfections remarkably well.—
Peter Nelson,
Robb Report,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Of the other methods – including electrocution, lethal gas and hanging – lethal injection had the highest botch rate of more than 7%. ‘An embrace of brutality’ Still, states have remained averse to the firing squad, a position that experts who spoke to CNN believe stems from its overt violence.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
10 Apr. 2025
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The neutral material keeps it from looking like an eye sore and can be expanded for more hanging space as needed.—
Micaela Arnett,
Rolling Stone,
10 Jan. 2024
Verb
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Several names have been floated as possible replacements for Kelly in Baton Rouge.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Oct. 2025
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Baumgartner floated a similar measure in April as part of his Restore College Sports Act.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poised.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poised. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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