: having poise:
a
: marked by balance or equilibrium
b
: marked by easy composure of manner or bearing

Examples of poised in a Sentence

The actors were poised on the stage, ready for the curtain to come up. She held the pencil poised over the paper. The company is poised for success. She seemed poised to take on the leadership of the country. He is now poised to become the next big star in country music. a city poised between the mountains and the sea a group of people poised between hope and fear
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
According to these arbiters, there is a correct way to react when your husband achieves a lifetime dream, and Stoll’s poised and somewhat reserved response was far from it. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025 Now Washington’s franchise player, Daniels had one of the most poised and productive rookie seasons in NFL history. Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 Her poised and in-command speech also served as a contrast to the cane-waving Rep. Al Green's shouting responses to Trump that resulted in his being escorted from the chamber by the sergeant-at-arms. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025 Stay focused, stay poised and let your work speak louder than the headlines. Maha Abouelenein, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poised

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of poised was in 1626

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Cite this Entry

“Poised.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poised. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

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