aplomb

noun

ə-ˈpläm How to pronounce aplomb (audio)
Definition of aplombnext
1
as in composure
evenness of emotions or temper you've handled a difficult situation with perfect aplomb

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in confidence
great faith in oneself or one's abilities carried herself with the dignity and aplomb of a born leader

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word aplomb distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of aplomb are assurance, confidence, and self-possession. While all these words mean "a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment," aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.

handled the reporters with great aplomb

In what contexts can assurance take the place of aplomb?

The words assurance and aplomb are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers.

handled the cross-examination with complete assurance

When could confidence be used to replace aplomb?

The words confidence and aplomb can be used in similar contexts, but confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance.

the confidence that comes from long experience

When would self-possession be a good substitute for aplomb?

While the synonyms self-possession and aplomb are close in meaning, self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers.

answered the insolent question with complete self-possession

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 aplomb With similar aplomb, Pedro Pascal muscled his way into all our hearts at the Cannes Film Festival wearing a Calvin Klein black cutoff tee and pants … less is most certainly more for these gents. —Alison Edmond, HollywoodReporter, 23 Dec. 2025 These indispensable institutions came back with great fanfare, visual majesty, and charismatic aplomb. —Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2025 Jim Carrey, wearing layer upon layer of green makeup and prosthetics, lends his signature goofy star persona to the lead role, while character actors like Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin, and Molly Shannon fulfill their Whoville roles with aplomb. —Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Nov. 2025 Dante Moore has led from the front with aplomb and is backed by a strong running corps, though stopping Washington’s ground game could be the real key to victory here. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aplomb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aplomb
  1. composure
  2. confidence
  3. assurance
  4. self-assurance
  5. self-assuredness
Noun
  • One of Lamont’s unacknowledged strengths is his public composure and innate courtesy in an era when escalating vulgarity in politics shows an ugly American face to us and the world.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The ride strikes a fine balance between composure and comfort.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of composure
Noun
  • Hardware enthusiasm While there are doubts about the software industry, Wall Street has resounding confidence that hardware companies are AI winners.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Uncertainty is the absence of confidence and, right now, a lack of confidence is overriding the reality that many of these companies are going to be just fine.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of confidence
Noun
  • There is also a federal class-action lawsuit filed by former members that accuses Gateway and Robert Morris of failing to honor promises to give 15% of donations to global missions and misleading congregants with assurances of refunds.
    — Giles Hudson, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Advocates in the South Bay say the timing of ongoing sweeps raises red flags — regardless of official assurances that the Super Bowl is not a factor.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of assurance
Noun
  • In her tenure so far, the CEO has fostered a self-assurance absent from the brand in recent years.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The 19-year-old’s self-assurance couldn’t come at a better time.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of self-assurance
Noun
  • Courtesy of Netflix Advertisement Ha has felt particularly inspired by Sophie’s self-assuredness.
    — Kat Moon, Time, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Hafley said his coaching experience at Boston College not only taught him what to do differently, but also lifted his self-assuredness in his first NFL head coaching job.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Definition of self-assuredness

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aplenty
aplomb
apocalypse
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Cite this Entry

“Aplomb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aplomb. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aplomb

Nglish: Translation of aplomb for Spanish Speakers

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