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Synonym Chooser

How is the word unruffled different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of unruffled are collected, composed, cool, imperturbable, and nonchalant. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

When could collected be used to replace unruffled?

While in some cases nearly identical to unruffled, collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When can composed be used instead of unruffled?

While the synonyms composed and unruffled are close in meaning, composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

When would cool be a good substitute for unruffled?

The meanings of cool and unruffled largely overlap; however, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

When is imperturbable a more appropriate choice than unruffled?

Although the words imperturbable and unruffled have much in common, imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

In what contexts can nonchalant take the place of unruffled?

The synonyms nonchalant and unruffled are sometimes interchangeable, but nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

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 unruffled At one level, the machine appears obedient, trundling through its chores, assembling responses with unruffled competence. Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 Sonny strides onto the track with unruffled cool—a Pitt signature—and is laconic enough to endure a series of press conferences at which journalists are quick to label him a has-been. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 June 2025 Nearly a hundred shiny black calves are frolicking in the pastures, including twin bulls (birthweight of 72 pounds each) whose mother is completely unruffled by this unusual occurrence and its maternal responsibilities. Susan Koch, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2025 Well, Piastri faced everything Norris encountered in his fights with Verstappen in 2024 and came out on top and unruffled. Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unruffled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruffled
Adjective
  • With over 20 years of experience, Melissa has helped families transform chaos into calm using compassion, clarity, and proven behavioral strategies.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Peak season is over, meaning the crowds are gone, the water feels calmer, the restaurants are more enjoyable, and the sunsets last just a little bit longer.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Each of the 119 rooms is spacious and serene, outfitted with deep soaking tubs, Hästens beds, and balconies that open to crisp mountain air.
    Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The property itself packs in a small kitchen and living area with a wood-burning stove, plus a serene bedroom and laundry room upstairs.
    Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • On campus, Christopher Benton, 48, was arrested and later booked into Alameda County’s Santa Rita Jail for refusing to leave after being asked to do so by police, obstruction and coming on to campus with the intent of interfering with peaceful activities, Mogulof said.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025
  • But, in a year that has already seen multiple political assassinations, the deployment of the National Guard to American cities, and masked agents of the federal government hauling people off the streets and into unmarked vans, the prospects for a peaceful anniversary appear remote.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • The collected premium cushions downside risk and enhances the effective yield on capital at risk.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The collected data feeds into Cyvl’s Infrastructure Intelligence Platform, where proprietary AI algorithms assess conditions down to the smallest crack or sign of deficiency.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From a kitchen inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design to a colorful yet tranquil Victorian bathroom, Drift Interiors + Architecture can bring any style to life.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Long, flowing lines and a neutral palette create calm, tranquil vibes throughout, while expansive windows invite light in and offer views out.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some time before the series’ start, a virus swept the globe and made everyone content and placid.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2025
  • In a small town like Harding, a crime involving local children of local families shatters the relatively placid and usually numb routines of daily life.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unruffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruffled. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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