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
We are poised to build a series of major new projects in the national interest. Jordan King shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 By the time Alex is poised to shoot her, the smoke alarm goes off, the delayed result of Charlie cranking up the burners in the safe house. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 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
  • Many factors affect breathing during running, including your posture.
    Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Born into the cult, Prophet draws comparisons between the group’s apocalyptic dogma (braced for a Soviet nuclear strike, the church built extensive Montana bomb shelters in the early 1990s), and Christian Nationalism, QAnon and the MAGA movement.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Colorado’s health department is bracing for several layoffs early next month for workers focused on cancer and heart disease prevention, thanks to the apparent loss of nearly $2 million in federal grant funding and the state’s own bleak fiscal outlook.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Gas prices are hovering near their lowest summer level in four years as millions of people ready themselves to hit the roads over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 3 July 2025
  • As the afternoon progresses, chances of rain drop from 36% to 15%, and in the evening, hover around 10% with a low temperature of 66 degrees.
    Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Some are taking a harder stance on age compliance checks for alcohol sales.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 4 July 2025
  • The company also refused to apologize for CBS’ reporting or edits, a stance to protect its journalistic ethics and 1st Amendment rights.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Both cow's milk and oat milk may be fortified with vitamins A and D, so check the label for vitamin content.8 Vitamin A: Helps to keep the skin and eyes healthy.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 12 July 2025
  • Khan, by contrast, is being tasked with a narrower but highly strategic mission: fortifying Apple's supply chain, localizing production, and driving environmental accountability.
    Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Following that, Smith, 26 at the time, was assigned to the USS Carl Vinson — a massive aircraft carrier that doubles as a floating city.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • The knife seemed to have jumped out of the drawer and was floating towards me.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • But the hustle down the line that followed, resulting in a single for the visiting leadoff hitter to start Friday’s 7-6 win over the A’s, was a representation of Lukes’ hard-working attitude, according to his former head coach at Sacramento State, Reggie Christiansen.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025
  • That sense of awe can improve our well-being, contribute to a more positive attitude, and boost curiosity.
    Anthony Fredericks, CNBC, 11 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 19 Jul. 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!