1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another
there must be a poise between the rights of the individual and the rights of society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
1
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
the disgraced business executive poised herself for the difficult press conference
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hover
to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air
the falcon poised in the air for an instant before diving to attack its prey
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of poise
Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
His reads, his poise, his confidence, timely saves.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026
Barack Obama, meanwhile, was running a Presidential campaign poised to channel the anger of the Bush years into a movement.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for poise
Noun
But Yakemchuk showed poise, made few mistakes and flashed his offence when his team needed it against Detroit.
—Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
His reads, his poise, his confidence, timely saves.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
Starlink is poised to receive $700 million from the BEAD program, which is preparing to distribute $21 billion in subsidies to all 50 states and US territories.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026
Barack Obama, meanwhile, was running a Presidential campaign poised to channel the anger of the Bush years into a movement.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
-
Once price breaks above or below the cloud, traders often watch to see whether price holds above or below the Kijun-sen, which acts as an equilibrium level, before confirming a new trend direction.—
Karl Montevirgen,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
With Brent crude hovering above $115 and the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, the question is whether the labor market’s low-hire, low-fire equilibrium can survive an energy shock.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The addition of Tomahawk cruise missiles, which are long-range strike-capable weapons, represents a measured change in Japan’s defense posture, prompting neighboring countries to monitor developments more closely.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Even before those strikes, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had warned that Tehran was prepared to shift its nuclear posture.—
Leila Gharagozlou,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
With some non-citizens no longer eligible for Cal Fresh benefits, Orange County food banks are bracing for an influx of clients.—
Michele Gile,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
After an exceptionally active winter, South Dakota is bracing for another winter storm in early spring, a reminder that the snow isn’t quite ready to pack up yet.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Sioux Falls Argus Leader,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The bank expects oil prices will hover around $100 a barrel for the rest of the year – and could go even higher if the Strait of Hormuz’s closure continues to disrupt energy supplies.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
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Video from the rescue shows the helicopter descending near the Seneca River and then hovering over the water, where the dog is struggling to keep its head above the surface.—
Kelli Bender,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The county changed its stance with new regulations in December that allowed ultralight access within certain guidelines, which pilots have claimed are overly-restrictive and cost-prohibitive for hobbyists who fly the relatively inexpensive aircraft.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The two began staying after practice to fine-tune the details, stance, hands, footwork and arriving early to study film and break down opponents.—
Tyler Carmona,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Japan considers China its main regional security threat and has fortified the country's southwestern islands near the East China Sea in recent years.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The Jets were looking for a veteran to fortify their quarterback position and landed on Smith after the Raiders were set to release him.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Of all the voting changes floating around, what seems most likely at the moment is an end to or significant limit on counting mail-in ballots after Election Day.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
In the Dominican Republic, commercial fishers sometimes place a palm tree, floating upright and attached to a buoy, in the middle of the ocean.—
Mike Kurlansky,
Outside,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And yet, my attitude was 'This is special.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Nyad is an extraordinary example, but researchers say a positive attitude is key.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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