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 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 To feel the need to run out of the train, screaming, yet remain completely still, unruffled. Anelise Chen, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025 His non-answer answer was delivered in Alonso’s typically unruffled manner. Dermot Corrigan, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 But astronomers scrutinizing this particular Hubble image found the central galaxy actually sports a swirl of spiral arms seemingly unruffled by any such merger, raising new questions about what might have triggered its jet. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unruffled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruffled
Adjective
  • There’s something wonderfully timeless about pushing off from shore in a canoe as the paddles dip quietly through calm water as dragonflies skim by.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
  • What if your government made the calm, rational decision that your country must cease to exist, then set about shutting it down in stages, as the currency became worthless and the population scrambled to emigrate?
    Judy Berman, Time, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Six Senses Ibiza Wade into the serene waters of Xarraca Bay while staying at Six Senses Ibiza, a 137-room hotel on the northern edge of the island.
    Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Photo : Gavin Cater Shaded by a majestic oak, the serene grounds are laced with multiple seating areas, winding garden pathways, and a sport court.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful, and U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Tehran is not actively pursuing a bomb.
    Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 26 June 2025
  • My students said these are small, unexpected spots that provide an excellent opportunity for a quiet, peaceful break, to be present, whether enjoyed alone or with a friend.
    Eric Zillmer, The Conversation, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Then take the time to analyze the situation before delivering a thoughtful and composed response.
    Christopher Fairbank, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • McIlroy looked composed and steady at 2-under through nine.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • The researchers used the collected ear wax data to train an artificial intelligence olfactory (AIO) system, technology that uses sensors to simulate the human sense of smell to detect and analyze VOCs.
    Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
  • The wording of the notice suggests the collected data can be used much more broadly than past department data sets.
    Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Buyers are moving away from light and airy tones, favoring deeper hues that feel modern, tranquil, and organic.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 17 June 2025
  • Mercedes uses rich wood trim, white Nappa leather, white silk, and polished aluminum to create an atmosphere that's both tranquil and glamorous.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Highlights ranged from a placid morning setting out on Lake Ontario to a crowded afternoon carefully crossing shipping lanes in New York Harbor.
    Taylor Haney, NPR, 18 June 2025
  • Shortly after, the placid family evening was interrupted when, prosecutors alleged, Jenkins’ brother, Jalonie, stabbed her so brutally that her trachea was split in half.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unruffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruffled. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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