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 But astronomers scrutinizing this particular Hubble image found the central galaxy actually sports a swirl of spiral arms seemingly unruffled by any such merger, raising new questions about what might have triggered its jet. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 14 Jan. 2025 Relatedly, the 46-year-old operated with the authoritative confidence, innate effortlessness and unruffled smoothness of an artist who knows his mix of talent, staying power and legacy constitute a rarity in the world of modern R&B. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024 Every year, on the anniversary of Gina’s vanishing, Colter pays Frank a most unwelcome visit — and this latest one ends with the typically unruffled reward-seeker putting Frank in a chokehold. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 13 Oct. 2024 The more telegenic Vance demonstrated his considerable media experience with his smooth delivery and unruffled manner. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for unruffled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruffled
Adjective
  • Once water has been introduced, provide the dog with treats and praise while bathing them, and remain calm and confident.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
  • For example, research at the Ivey Business School reveals that temperance (being calm, composed, patient, prudent, and self-controlled) is one of the weakest character dimensions for many people.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Nestled in the serene mountains of Chiang Mai and the lush tropical beauty of Sri Lanka, The Beekeeper House is a sanctuary for healing.
    Kara Markley Sterling, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The Bulgarian, known for his serene disposition and velvet touch, ranks as the top goalscorer in sub-zero matches with nine goals — although five of these came in Manchester United’s 7-1 mauling of Blackburn Rovers in November 2010, skewing the results somewhat.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • King’s leadership, however, unified millions across America through peaceful protests, marches, and eloquent advocacy.
    Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Whether a studio or a four-bedroom home, the sleeper chair will fit perfectly in any space and guarantee a peaceful night’s sleep.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, research at the Ivey Business School reveals that temperance (being calm, composed, patient, prudent, and self-controlled) is one of the weakest character dimensions for many people.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Accepting the results with a composed yet sobering tone, Shyne acknowledged the democracy.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Longtime collector and principal designer Deborah Lund curates an exceptional mix of contemporary art, midcentury pieces, and vintage lighting in her interiors, blending styles and historical influences for a collected look.
    Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2025
  • But Umberg’s bill seeks to outright mandate that companies can only use the collected neural data for the purpose for which it was intended to be used and disposed of when done.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Walruses In Heartbeats of the Arctic—A Bird’s Eye View By Jose Martin Perdomo On a remote Arctic shoreline, captured from above, a group of walruses lies huddled together, their massive bodies piled side-by-side in a tranquil moment of collective repose.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The buildings are beautiful and tranquil but fundamentally incongruous (modern architecture mixed with bits of decaying monasteries, gathered from meadows in Catalonia and France).
    Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Last but not least, the bag is available in seven spring-perfect shades and patterns, including placid blue, lime green, koi orange, and a fun colorblock style, among others.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Choose from seven colors and patterns, including placid blue, moonless night, and koi orange.
    Gabriella Maestri, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unruffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruffled. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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