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as in posture
a general way of holding the body the woman's poise suggested that she was accustomed to having her wishes carried out promptly and without question

Synonyms & Similar Words

poise

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poise different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of poise are address, savoir faire, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When would address be a good substitute for poise?

The words address and poise can be used in similar contexts, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When can savoir faire be used instead of poise?

The words savoir faire and poise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Where would tact be a reasonable alternative to poise?

The meanings of tact and poise largely overlap; however, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

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 poise
Noun
A day after rookie second baseman Christian Moore threw out a runner at the plate in extra innings, Washington complimented the 22-year-old’s poise to make that play. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 17 June 2025 The images have a poise, a calm, a precision that, from the contemplative safety of the stands, is all the more passionately attentive to the danger that Roca, his team, and, for that matter, the bulls confront. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
Verb
Meanwhile, a significant portion of the workforce is poised to enter retirement: The U.S. population aged 65 and older is expected to grow 34.1% over the next decade. Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025 Humana’s decision is poised to influence industrywide standards, having ripple effects for the broader U.S. healthcare system. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
  • Rather than aiming for a constant fixed equilibrium, dynamic leadership is about ongoing adjustments.
    IESE Business School, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • His ostentatious well-being is scorned by Walker, who equates equilibrium with compromise.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Members of the House will also debate a measure that could clarify the federal government’s regulatory posture toward crypto, as well as another bill that would prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing its own digital asset.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • Despite its autonomous posture, Varda is not actually anti-human spaceflight.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Inflation data Stock futures were higher before the bell on Tuesday as investors braced for June’s consumer price index, due in at 8:30 a.m. ET.
    Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 15 July 2025
  • As school districts brace for budget shortfalls, communities await a decision that could reshape access to education and enrichment nationwide.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Gold has been hovering in the mid-$3,300s this week, but a change in the appetite for stocks could raise demand for the precious metal.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Our first destination, with the hazy sun hovering over the Norway pine trees skirting Mirror Lake, was the beach bar.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Most analysts on Wall Street have joined the analyst in taking a bullish stance on the name, as 56 out of 62 analysts in all have a strong buy or buy rating, per LSEG data.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 15 July 2025
  • Remaining neutral might be seen as a stance in itself.
    Esau McCaulley, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Tensions over the exchange led to Cambodian, then later Thai, soldiers fortifying positions along the border.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
  • Their critical work encompasses keeping systems operational, fortifying networks and upholding regulatory compliance.
    Dara Warn, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • The sports arena floated as a solution to save the State Fair site never materialized, but new buildings did begin to replace the old on the fairgrounds, including a 1,000-seat amphitheater in 1974 and a new Coliseum in 1976.
    Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Musk originally floated the retro-diner concept in 2018, with city construction approvals for the Hollywood location secured in 2023.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Staley said Moore’s football chops, knowledge and coaching attitude come from his dad.
    Shaun Goodwin July 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • The reports are good: his attitude has been normal and his application during the pre-season conditioning tests has been of a high standard.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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