1
as in bracing
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
the disgraced business executive poised herself for the difficult press conference
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hovering
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poising
Verb
-
Chicagoans are bracing for a potential surge in federal immigration agents and National Guard troops that could begin as soon as this weekend – despite vocal protests by state and local leaders and Chicago residents.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025 -
Still, the company is bracing for an EV sales falloff, and Duncan Aldred, GM senior vice president and president of North America, said in a statement the company would be mindful of its EV production plans.—
Jackie Charniga,
Freep.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Sweeney recalls, hovering between the deli counter and shelves of bagged popcorn.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
-
That's how long Americans have been hovering around the same level of financial literacy—with little sign of real progress.—
Kevin Cohee,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This healing blend is powered by Ayurvedic ingredients like virgin amla oil and brahmi, two staples in traditional hair remedies known for fortifying strands and stimulating hair growth.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Following a year in which a pair of cover songs propelled Maddell, 35, and Pavlovic, 24, to a new level of commercial success, the Australian musicians have spent much of 2025 fortifying their widening fan base.—
Josh Glicksman,
Billboard,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The park service reminded the public to wear a life jacket when swimming, floating, fishing or boating on the Delaware River.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
4 Sep. 2025
-
School shootings are an obvious one, made explicitly so by Archer seeing a giant AK-47 with the number 217 in red floating above a house.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Somewhere, creative teams are readying a rock opera and a Saturday morning cartoon.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Charrière, whose writing has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar and The Sunday Times among other titles, is publishing her first memoir in June next year, while Arçay is readying her swimwear debut for spring.—
Ari Stark,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Soderstrom followed with a drive to left, where Ward moved in and to his left before realizing the ball was sailing over his right shoulder.—
Mike Digiovanna,
Oc Register,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean also encourages guests to dress up during voyages sailing over Halloween.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Nearly every water excursion imaginable (snorkeling, boating, fishing, scalloping, kayaking, and swimming with manatees) is available for embarkation directly from the resort.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
3 Sep. 2025
-
People should avoid swimming in murky lakes, ponds and streams.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Poising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poising. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share