Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of imperturbable are collected, composed, cool, nonchalant, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

In what contexts can collected take the place of imperturbable?

The words collected and imperturbable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When is composed a more appropriate choice than imperturbable?

Although the words composed and imperturbable have much in common, composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

When can cool be used instead of imperturbable?

In some situations, the words cool and imperturbable are roughly equivalent. However, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

When is it sensible to use nonchalant instead of imperturbable?

While in some cases nearly identical to imperturbable, nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

When could unruffled be used to replace imperturbable?

While the synonyms unruffled and imperturbable are close in meaning, unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

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 imperturbable The team’s droll, imperturbable manager, Dave Roberts, spent much of his summer issuing medical briefings on infirm pitchers. Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024 Minsky is the very opposite: chipper, imperturbable, and with impeccable manners. Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024 Both were introverts by nature and, for the most part, imperturbable on the court. Cindy Shmerler, New York Times, 24 May 2024 Susie Glass, the crime boss Eddie reports to, is essentially a carbon copy of Michelle Dockery’s Rosalind, from her cherry-red lips to her sky-high stilettos to her generally imperturbable air. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for imperturbable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperturbable
Adjective
  • Actress January Jones channeled Isabel Marant’s nonchalant French-girl style by wearing an oversized sweater and cutoff jean shorts to a dinner hosted by the designer.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 June 2025
  • The partnership marks a stylistic evolution for White, who previously channeled classic Americana and nonchalant cool in campaigns for Calvin Klein.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • The protests, which were mostly calm and peaceful, were held in opposition to President Donald Trump's policies and coincided with the controversial parade for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 June 2025
  • These calm and gentle activities by the sea have restorative benefits and are increasingly featured as part of wellness retreats.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Six Senses Ibiza Wade into the serene waters of Xarraca Bay while staying at Six Senses Ibiza, a 137-room hotel on the northern edge of the island.
    Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Tucked into the verdant hills above Cannes, France, in a coveted residential enclave known as Lower California, Villa Nicky overlooks the shimmering Mediterranean with a serene, almost cinematic quality.
    Gay Gassmann, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • The temptation to appear unflappable is strong, especially at the top.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Seemingly through it all, the unflappable bond between Glinda and Elphaba remains, with the two singer-actresses belting out refrains from the Broadway show’s second act and the song from which the sequel gets its title.
    Dan Heching, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • McIlroy looked composed and steady at 2-under through nine.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 13 June 2025
  • De Armas doesn’t make the mistake of looking too composed, or making the vigorous smackdowns look effortless.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • By sending manufacturing overseas, companies gained access to lower labor costs, lighter regulations, and the illusion of unshakable profit margins.
    Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • These unshakable, vaguely nebulous finales are in many ways the key to the remarkable shelf life of Kubrick’s filmography.
    Spike Carter, Air Mail, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • As did the nerveless manner in which the striker — who turns 38 in March — sent goalkeeper Harry Tyrer the wrong way from the spot to clinch another three points.
    Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Instead, Kvitova produced a nerveless performance, finishing off the match with her first ace of the final.
    Danielle Rossingh, Forbes, 27 June 2021

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Cite this Entry

“Imperturbable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperturbable. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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