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 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 In a situation that would rattle almost anyone on their first day at a new job, Dr. Mel remains as unruffled as her ponytail braid and still doesn’t have a hair out of place at hour 12 of the shift. Jen Chaney, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2025 Liverpool’s second half comeback against Southampton left the team jubilant but not unruffled given the first-half problems. James Nalton, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Meghan’s particular sensibility, a clean and unruffled traditional-meets-modern mélange, runs up against the limits of having to fill eight long episodes with only a certain number of new ideas. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unruffled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruffled
Adjective
  • Developing temperance involves cultivating the five habits of being calm, composed, patient, prudent, and self-controlled, which depend on regulating the PABC systems.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Nonetheless, the analyst said investors should remain calm.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Just serene, private spaces where men or women can swim separately and privately.
    Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Looking outside, a lap pool surrounded by lounge chairs offers a serene place to relax.
    Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In a scene from the film, Benedict Wong's school principal character, Marcus, is shown at home with his husband, and viewers get a glimpse at their peaceful life before things take a dark turn.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Over the course of two weeks, ISIS invaded Sinjar, including my once peaceful village of Kocho, sewing fear and chaos, before killing nearly every Yazidi man in my village and taking women and children into captivity.
    Nadia Murad, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Her parents, Bertram and Olga, operated a music school and composed music.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Yet for all the nerves, there is great pride in Yoro’s calm and composed performances, which have quickly taken him to the top.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • The collected water can then be used for watering the lawn and garden, reducing your spending and your water waste, while still keeping the lawn and garden looking great throughout the summer.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
  • These salts can leak out with the collected water, making for an unpalatable drink.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • The producers of The Valley were right to presume that chaos would ensue when people who’d been partying for 20 years tried to settle into more tranquil, suburban existences.
    Judy Berman, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The four mile long loop built to connect parts of the city’s new Parks and Boulevards system was tranquil, scenic and offered grand views of the Missouri River below.
    Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet some of the most responsive and well-run cities, including a host of safe and placid South Orange County cities such as Rancho Santa Margarita and Aliso Viejo, have relatively low staffing levels.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 10 Aug. 2025
  • The Ocean Club has terrific service, spacious and placid rooms and a boutique-hotel feel with all the perks of a larger property.
    Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unruffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruffled. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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