Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of nonchalant are collected, composed, cool, imperturbable, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

When could collected be used to replace nonchalant?

The words collected and nonchalant can be used in similar contexts, but collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When might composed be a better fit than nonchalant?

While in some cases nearly identical to nonchalant, composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

When is it sensible to use cool instead of nonchalant?

The words cool and nonchalant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

Where would imperturbable be a reasonable alternative to nonchalant?

The meanings of imperturbable and nonchalant largely overlap; however, imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

In what contexts can unruffled take the place of nonchalant?

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

harried but unruffled

Examples of nonchalant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Then Eric, nonchalant, walked off to the front of the stage to apologize to [the] audience for the show [ending] early. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 Sep. 2024 Not that the eternally nonchalant Lenderman would ever describe his intuitive choices so grandly. Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 30 Aug. 2024 The nonchalant runaway hit first gained popularity through a beat challenge Laila! Njera Perkins, Peoplemag, 16 Aug. 2024 Everything from the bedding and the candles to the coffee cups have been splashed in black and white, reflecting the sort of Nor Cal nonchalant entertaining style Hudson Grace is known for. Sofia Celeste, WWD, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nonchalant 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonchalant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Nonchalant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonchalant. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on nonchalant

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