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 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 nonchalant His tone is more nonchalant than angry, spoken from the perspective of a 74-year-old man who seems to have long put any negative feelings in the rear view. Jason Newman, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024 Floridians are accustomed to hurricanes, weary of storms to the point that many are relatively nonchalant about a big storm’s approach. Carolyn Kormann, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024 Though the storm ripped through some parts of the state — with at least 11 fatalities confirmed so far — Malinowski remained nonchalant in correspondences with NBC and his followers on social media. Sophia Pargas, NBC News, 10 Oct. 2024 But for those seeking bedding with nonchalant elegance, this linen set will have a lot of appeal. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nonchalant 

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Thesaurus Entries Near nonchalant

Cite this Entry

“Nonchalant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonchalant. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on nonchalant

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