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 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 Relatedly, the 46-year-old operated with the authoritative confidence, innate effortlessness and unruffled smoothness of an artist who knows his mix of talent, staying power and legacy constitute a rarity in the world of modern R&B. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for unruffled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruffled
Adjective
  • Clouds will hang around most of the evening, and the low will be around 57 along with calm overnight winds.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
  • There's no magical future where everything is calm and predictable.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hotel is a luxury resort located along the serene mangroves, offering a peaceful escape while still being close to the action of the downtown.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Since then, the Rockefellers have been stewards of this serene stretch of land, donating vast swaths to public use—including the park preserve and the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Together, these two pros deliver a Sunday to-do list that will hopefully create a more peaceful and efficient week ahead.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The meeting lasted about 15 minutes inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, where Francis often preached the need for a peaceful end to the war, just before Trump and Zelenskyy took their seats at the outdoor funeral service.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Eliot compares this style to Rory McIlroy lining up a putt to win the Masters: focused, composed, blocking out distractions.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The sets had their ups and downs: some of the improvisations were gorgeous, but the more composed elements felt messy.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Even if your host doesn't mind if guests run late, giving yourself extra time before events will help you to feel more collected rather than rushed.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Volunteers will pick up the debris, bag it and pile the bags so the Overland Park Parks and Recreation crews can pick up and properly dispose of the collected trash.
    Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Soft, soothing shades like dusty blues, sage greens and warm neutrals can help create a tranquil mood.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Photo: Lourenco Teixeira de Abreu For a more tranquil coastal retreat, Mélides offers a quieter escape with wilder, more secluded beaches—perhaps what first drew Christian Louboutin and Vincent Van Duysen, both of whom have homes in the area.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Damn, again, my woulda, shoulda anger steams beneath a somewhat placid exterior.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Not that the ostensibly placid 1950s that preceded the anarchic ’60s were nirvana in New York’s Theater District.
    Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unruffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruffled. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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