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
  • These calm and gentle activities by the sea have restorative benefits and are increasingly featured as part of wellness retreats.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • The protests, which were mostly calm and peaceful, were held in opposition to President Donald Trump's policies and coincided with the controversial parade for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 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 says its uranium enrichment program is for peaceful purposes.
    Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 14 June 2025
  • Trump wants to suppress peaceful protest and send a message that opposing him means facing the military in the streets.
    State Rep. Matt Blumenthal, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • McIlroy looked composed and steady at 2-under through nine.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 13 June 2025
  • De Armas doesn’t make the mistake of looking too composed, or making the vigorous smackdowns look effortless.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Steve Lee, Caravan Studios’ director of product development, said the collected data is stored in a secure cloud.
    Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2025
  • The collected material makes a persuasive case for self-forgiveness.
    Dayna Tortorici, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Located on the ninth floor of the luxurious five-star Times Square Edition, The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens transports diners to a tranquil paradise.
    Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Bring a group for a tranquil picnic by the lake at the pavilion.
    Dalia Faheid, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • The filmmaking matches the placid discontent of the characters.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 June 2025
  • Its setting once bore the rich grandeur of the Northwest, framed by mountains, royal robes of evergreens trailing into the placid harbor of Commencement Bay.
    Caroline Fraser June 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unruffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruffled. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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