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 Southern Bridge that connects the nether end of tony Palm Beach Island to the mainland city of West Palm Beach was once a calm overpass where people strolled alongside Bentleys over the Intracoastal Waterway.
    Beth Landman, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Jan. 2025
  • By the afternoon, calmer winds aided firefighters in making some headway, though by that point at least five fires were still active and some burned out of control in the L.A. area.
    Melina Walling, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Indulge in an authentic Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath, enjoy a serene soak in the indoor heated pool or take advantage of a free daily yoga class.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Whatever your personal design style, color will play a big part in setting the tone for your home, and these sage green decorating ideas can be part of a restful, serene environment.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Dunn said he was disappointed that the Senate was unable to reach the two-thirds threshold needed to convict Trump after he was impeached by the House for his role in the Jan. 6 riots and his attempt to delay the peaceful transfer of power.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of our democracy — especially when elections do not turn in our favor.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Brooklyn native became the new IBF super lightweight champion with a composed and masterful boxing performance to defeat Liam Paro (25-1) on Saturday night in Puerto Rico.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
  • 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
Adjective
  • The cameras and databases of collected data are frequently used by police to search for suspects.
    Matt Burgess, WIRED, 7 Jan. 2025
  • At the fountain, the collected coins are weighed under the oversight of city police officers before Mr. Marchioni takes them to Caritas offices.
    Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • After making the roughly 30-mile journey north from Tahiti, Brando found 12 small coral islets, or motus, encircling a tranquil lagoon.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Once a favorite spot for the young composer Fryderyk Chopin, this tranquil oasis invites you to pause and relax.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Which were placid and rubbery, and which were meaty and juicy?
    Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
  • At that point the elephants, peaceful, placid and wise, will rise to power, and from them will rise an even greater Broadway musical.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near unruffled

Cite this Entry

“Unruffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruffled. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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!