Synonym Chooser

How is the word unruffled different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of unruffled are collected, composed, cool, imperturbable, and nonchalant. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

When could collected be used to replace unruffled?

While in some cases nearly identical to unruffled, collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When can composed be used instead of unruffled?

While the synonyms composed and unruffled are close in meaning, composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

When would cool be a good substitute for unruffled?

The meanings of cool and unruffled largely overlap; however, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

When is imperturbable a more appropriate choice than unruffled?

Although the words imperturbable and unruffled have much in common, imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

In what contexts can nonchalant take the place of unruffled?

The synonyms nonchalant and unruffled are sometimes interchangeable, but nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

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 unruffled Harris has the audacity to look unruffled by the characterization. Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 30 July 2024 To onlookers, the 15-year-old appears calm, unruffled; characteristics which would become her hallmark over the next decade or so of competition. Aimee Lewis, CNN, 27 July 2024 The tradition of wearing white at Wimbledon also began during this era in 1890, primarily because white garments were seen as a way to avoid showing perspiration, a crucial consideration in the social dynamics of the time where women were expected to appear composed and unruffled. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 9 July 2024 But where the standard Meyers heroine would fuss herself into a fugue state of approbation, Anne remains oddly unruffled. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 29 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for unruffled 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruffled
Adjective
  • Current conditions are more favorable, with calmer winds allowing the fire department’s helicopters to carry out water drops throughout the night, Kelliher said.
    Amanda Musa, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The gains came amid relatively calm moves for Treasury yields in the U.S. bond market.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Located on the state’s southeastern coast, just 30 minutes north of glitzy West Palm Beach, Jupiter enjoys a slower, more serene pace that’s perfect for lazy days of relaxing with a view of the water.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The effect is often serene and soothing, even when busy, stuttering electronic beats occasionally enter the mix.
    Al Shipley, SPIN, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But even that initial wave appeared to mount a peaceful takeover, with folks posing for pictures, making snow angels and gleefully soaking in the moment.
    Justin Williams, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
  • With a focus on soft, natural tones, sustainable materials and biophilic elements like plants and greenery, this trend transforms hospitality spaces into peaceful sanctuaries.
    Roger Sands, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Being intentional about staying calm and composed projects confidence without saying a word.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The Brooklyn native became the new IBF super lightweight champion with a composed and masterful boxing performance to defeat Liam Paro (25-1) on Saturday night in Puerto Rico.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The Razor Crest's heavy laser cannons could tear through most small and medium-sized ships, but its best quality was its size, providing ample space for collected bounties and acting as mobile living quarters for our chromed Mandalorian bounty hunter.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Nobody asked me, but might there be another book of collected writings by Dan Rodricks in the future?
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Look to shades of green like sage, moss, and juniper for a tranquil connection with nature.
    Cyndy Aldred, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2025
  • But instead of a tranquil stroll in the Pennines of West Yorkshire, Ivy had other ideas and began singing Hey Jude by The Beatles—although her version sounded a little different to the warm and soothing vocals of Paul McCartney.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps Berlinski means this outbreak of placid coexistence to be hopeful, even a metaphor for a less fractured United States: its angry old men and outraged women enjoying a moment of détente.
    Laura Collins-Hughes, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Which were placid and rubbery, and which were meaty and juicy?
    Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near unruffled

Cite this Entry

“Unruffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruffled. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unruffled

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