poise 1 of 2

1
2
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

2 of 2

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
  • Leesburg, a city in central Florida north of Orlando, broke its heat record Sunday after reaching 100 degrees as well, and the rest of the region is bracing for more potentially record-breaking triple-digit temperatures Monday and Tuesday.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • Now, schools are bracing for the start of the semester: Teachers and students told USA TODAY that fear lingers for many immigrant students ahead of the new school year.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • Their postseason odds that year were hovering around 20 percent at the time, and the team proceeded to lose the next seven games after the deadline en route to a 73-89 season.
    Sam Blum, New York Times, 30 July 2025
  • Today, Baker’s market cap is hovering near $45 billion.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • The city of Austin declined to take a stance on the bill in response to a question from the Statesman.
    Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • China’s ambiguous stance on the war in Ukraine over the past three years reflects this internal division in Beijing.
    Da Wei, Foreign Affairs, 29 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
  • Probiotic Juices Probiotic juices are fruit and vegetable juices that have been fortified with probiotics.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • With no engine noise to break the silence, guests float quietly nearby or are anchored to a branch, while nature unfolds before them.
    Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Today, plans are still floating around City Hall to revitalize St. James Park, including the addition of a Levitt Pavilion stage to host no fewer than 50 free events every year.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Staley said Moore’s football chops, knowledge and coaching attitude come from his dad.
    Shaun Goodwin July 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on poise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!