POISE Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

poise 1 of 2

noun

ˈpȯiz

Definition of poise next

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

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

ˈpȯiz

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

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

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

Hutson has high-end poise, touch and sense with the puck, often walking the blue line using his great edge work to create time to make plays. —

Corey Pronman, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 The Knicks never trailed, going a perfect 5-of-5 from the field and 5-of-5 from the foul line in overtime, displaying the poise and precision of a team determined to right the ship. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2025

Verb

But instead of joining forces to take out their duplicitous Traitor, Danielle and Carolyn appear poised to set their sights on each other. —

Dalton Ross, EW.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Continuing one of their spurts this season during the second period, the Ducks seemed poised to put the Penguins in a three-goal hole, until Jackson LaCombe’s interference penalty gave Pittsburgh a power play. —

Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for poise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise

Noun

The uneasy equilibrium Russia had achieved was growing increasingly precarious.

— Nicole Grajewski, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025
This isn't Bruton's first self-balancing he's made, but this is the first time using equilibrium balls as wheels.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Jan. 2025