imperturbability 1 of 2

imperturbable

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word imperturbable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of imperturbable are collected, composed, cool, nonchalant, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

In what contexts can collected take the place of imperturbable?

The words collected and imperturbable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When is composed a more appropriate choice than imperturbable?

Although the words composed and imperturbable have much in common, composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

When can cool be used instead of imperturbable?

In some situations, the words cool and imperturbable are roughly equivalent. However, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

When is it sensible to use nonchalant instead of imperturbable?

While in some cases nearly identical to imperturbable, nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

When could unruffled be used to replace imperturbable?

While the synonyms unruffled and imperturbable are close in meaning, unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

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 imperturbability
Adjective
Both were introverts by nature and, for the most part, imperturbable on the court. Cindy Shmerler, New York Times, 24 May 2024 Susie Glass, the crime boss Eddie reports to, is essentially a carbon copy of Michelle Dockery’s Rosalind, from her cherry-red lips to her sky-high stilettos to her generally imperturbable air. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2024 From lipomas and cysts to keloids and tumors, Lee tackles them all with professionalism and a seemingly imperturbable gag reflex. Briana Richert, James Mercadante, EW.com, 19 Feb. 2024 The effect of this combination, a mash-up of urgency and complacency — imperturbable emergency? — is dreamlike and a bit maddening, perhaps like Cassandra shouting her warning to the gullible Trojans. Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for imperturbability 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperturbability
Noun
  • Then Wood and Ross Colton completely lost their composure after Nils Höglander drew an obvious penalty on Colton against the grain late in the third period.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 5 Feb. 2025
  • But the main reason scientists believe people should keep their composure is because there is a good chance 2024 YR4 will be reclassified down to Level 0 when observed in the future, the same outcome for 2004 VD17 and 99942 Apophis.
    Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Boone recalled this week Ichiro’s nonchalant response, which left Danley with more questions than answers.
    Chad Jennings, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Kraft struggled with both physical and mental difficulties throughout his life, and his nonchalant attitude toward money often made his life difficult.
    Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the National Weather Service, gusts could reach 50 to 60 mph. PREVIOUS, Jan. 17: Cooler temperatures and calm winds enabled firefighters to expand containment on the Palisades and Eaton fires Friday, as some residents were being allowed to return to their homes.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
  • At Xanterra’s sites, for example, retirement-age workers interact particularly well with customers and stay calm under pressure, Dierenbach said.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Christy Turlington, looking serene in gray cashmere trousers, and with a surfeit of bling lighting up her turtleneck, closes the show.
    Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025
  • His hair is long; his face looks kid-like, uncharacteristically serene.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Her passion for the craft, relentless work ethic and unflappable demeanor have enabled her to win the trust, respect and admiration of our talent and network partners.
    Peter White, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Her success on the charts and her sales figures are unflappable, and even her oldest releases are still popular to this day.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Being intentional about staying calm and composed projects confidence without saying a word.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The Brooklyn native became the new IBF super lightweight champion with a composed and masterful boxing performance to defeat Liam Paro (25-1) on Saturday night in Puerto Rico.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Burns, the administration’s de facto Putin whisperer, had heard it all before and understood that the Russian leader’s paranoid obsession with Ukraine was real and unshakable.
    Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Season two builds upon the unexpected tenderness of their meet-cute, threading their unshakable bond into the series’ larger mysteries.
    Abby Monteil, Them, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, Kvitova produced a nerveless performance, finishing off the match with her first ace of the final.
    Danielle Rossingh, Forbes, 27 June 2021
  • The seemingly nerveless Floridian, a ferocious competitor at the best of times, hit back in style to close with two birdies in his last three holes for a round of 69 in the process sending a very clear message to his rivals out there.
    Patrick Snell, CNN, 9 Aug. 2020

Thesaurus Entries Near imperturbability

Cite this Entry

“Imperturbability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperturbability. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

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