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

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 unruffled To onlookers, the 15-year-old appears calm, unruffled; characteristics which would become her hallmark over the next decade or so of competition. Aimee Lewis, CNN, 27 July 2024 The tradition of wearing white at Wimbledon also began during this era in 1890, primarily because white garments were seen as a way to avoid showing perspiration, a crucial consideration in the social dynamics of the time where women were expected to appear composed and unruffled. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 9 July 2024 But where the standard Meyers heroine would fuss herself into a fugue state of approbation, Anne remains oddly unruffled. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 29 June 2024 The unruffled Anne probably regards Théo as a household problem to be managed, more Pierre’s project anyway. Nicolas Rapold, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for unruffled 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruffled
Adjective
  • The show’s continuing appeal hinges largely on Guralnik; her calm demeanor and sharp analytical framing guide the participants (and the audience) toward astute insights about their relationship patterns.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
  • His calm demeanor has received a lot of attention on TikTok (@ohsosnoopy), gathering 408,500 views and 74,000 likes.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The adjacent hotel has a serene garden with a koi pond, and the 20 ryokan-style suites come with private patios.
    Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The only team with double figures of wins this season is Liverpool, who have stood out as a model of relatively serene stability, while most of those beneath them have thrashed about like fish on the deck of a ship.
    Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The United Nations as Leviathan: Global Governance in the Post-American World Rich argues that the United Nations is the only body capable of generating a peaceful and cooperative order in the emerging post-American world.
    Kal Raustiala, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The peaceful gathering quickly escalated into violent clashes as protesters and officers engaged in running altercations through the city's streets.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Even as the weapon appeared to jam, the shooter remained composed, standing over Thompson and firing again before walking away, leaving behind bullet casings inscribed with messages, multiple news outlets reported.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Every scouting report starts with how to contain the 6-foot-7 post, who has become more composed, stronger and better conditioned as a junior.
    Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Furthermore, the court found that the act burdens businesses with significant compliance costs—projected to exceed $22 billion in the first year alone—without clear safeguards against misuse of collected data.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
  • Available at 40% off for Cyber Monday, this robot can vacuum and mop your floors, and its base station will automatically suck out all the collected dirt, wash the mops, dry them, and refill the water tank, delivering a truly hands-free experience.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • At around noon, attendees arrived at Lauder’s residence, a surprisingly tranquil refuge.
    Ian Malone, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024
  • On floating shelves above her rest small potted plants, signs of organic life amid a tranquil technological ecosystem.
    Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Specifically, the ups and downs—the building booms and busts, the trendy neighborhoods turned ghostly blocks, the placid stretches to violent storms—of South Florida.
    Nick Remsen, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2024
  • The image is a cousin of Sister Hannah’s basket, too, an apocalypse as placid as an afternoon of apple picking.
    Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near unruffled

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on unruffled

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!