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
  • Hoping for a calm four years while waiting out Trump’s term is not a viable option for South Korea, either.
    Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Quarterback Aidan O’Connell did his part and was calm in the pocket, finding Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker for touchdowns and not throwing an interception.
    Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The owner’s primary suite occupies the fourth floor, the town house’s most serene level.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Their surroundings were so serene that generations of Craigs stayed and settled on the outskirts of Fairview, N.C., near Asheville.
    Eduardo Medina, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • On December 21, a peaceful Saturday afternoon, which included both NFL and college football games, the Guardians traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
  • The second arose from what Smith claimed was an unlawful scheme to subvert the peaceful transfer of presidential power after the 2020 election.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024
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
  • This artificial attention allows for a full-on focus, analyzing and responding to others with the collected wisdom of the ages.
    Chris Westfall, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • 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
Adjective
  • There’s no in-ground swimming pool; the tranquil Magothy will have to do.
    Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
  • The exclusive tented camp preserves the island’s tranquil ambiance with a limited number of accommodations.
    Jennifer Lee, Forbes, 18 Dec. 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 5 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!