poise 1 of 2

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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
His poise continues to impress the coaching staff. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025 McCarthy displayed poise and moxie despite throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown earlier in the game. Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
With expiration now just a few months away, some of those people have already gotten notices that their premiums -- the monthly fee paid for insurance coverage -- are poised to spike next year. Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025 Plenty of films are slated for release next week, but few seem poised to overtake Infinity Castle. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
  • This highlights the system’s ability to maintain equilibrium under external disturbances, a key requirement for real-world use.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
  • And this equilibrium of individuals supported by state benefits versus workers to pay into the system to support them is not a use which the CBO believes will be rebalanced anytime soon.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • BofA global fund manager survey shows the most aggressive bullish posture since February, but still not as high as February, which itself wasn’t at an alarming extreme of euphoria.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
  • To capture his presence on screen, Wembanyama has taken part in creative sessions with the production team, including a dedicated motion capture shoot to reproduce his signature moves and posture.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Houston is bracing for the loss of Framber Valdez in free agency and has already lost three other starters — Ronel Blanco, Hayden Wesneski and Brandon Walter — to elbow surgeries that will keep them out for some portion of next season.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Ravens Pro Bowl edge rusher Kyle Van Noy is bracing to potentially miss multiple games due to a hamstring injury suffered Sunday, per source.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Antimony also has hovered at record prices this year, with current values placing the mine’s reserve at about $3 billion.
    Kevin Fixler September 20, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2025
  • When renting, Tang said their winter gas bills hovered around $120.
    Lizzie Kane, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Nonetheless, with policy in restrictive territory, the baseline outlook and the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance.
    Adeola Adeosun Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Jimmy Baldea, a deputy with the Rutland County Sheriff’s Office, about 65 miles south of Burlington, told Fox News Digital that the mayor should reconsider her stance and that a greater police presence could be helpful for keeping crime at bay.
    Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Richer creams packed with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid that fortify the skin’s barrier from the coming windchill and the telltale skin tightness from indoor heating take center stage on our top shelves.
    Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Just this past offseason Miami put an emphasis on fortifying the trenches, correcting a past wrong, adding players with size and girth on the offensive and defensive line via the NFL Draft.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Mike Bishop, a former congressman who expressed interest in July, continues to be floated as a candidate as well.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 22 Sep. 2025
  • A number of firms — ranging from fintech to defense, and software to energy — have either recently floated or are rumored to be eyeing an IPO in Europe.
    Hugh Leask, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While some of the explanation for the result lies in Aston Villa’s strange passivity, Sunderland’s attitude to losing Reinildo and then going behind to Matty Cash’s 67th-minute long-range shot delighted Le Bris and the home support.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Trier continued that his championing of his actors should be mirrored by financiers’ attitudes towards filmmakers.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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