aplomb

noun

ə-ˈpläm How to pronounce aplomb (audio)
Definition of aplombnext
1
as in composure
evenness of emotions or temper you've handled a difficult situation with perfect aplomb

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in confidence
great faith in oneself or one's abilities carried herself with the dignity and aplomb of a born leader

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word aplomb distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of aplomb are assurance, confidence, and self-possession. While all these words mean "a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment," aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.

handled the reporters with great aplomb

In what contexts can assurance take the place of aplomb?

The words assurance and aplomb are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers.

handled the cross-examination with complete assurance

When could confidence be used to replace aplomb?

The words confidence and aplomb can be used in similar contexts, but confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance.

the confidence that comes from long experience

When would self-possession be a good substitute for aplomb?

While the synonyms self-possession and aplomb are close in meaning, self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers.

answered the insolent question with complete self-possession

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 aplomb Yet another bracelet that Kate has worn with aplomb this summer is a friendship bracelet, given to her by Charlotte as Kate took part in the Three Peaks Challenge late last month. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 13 July 2026 That’s largely thanks to star Lexi Minetree’s ability to step into a role made famous by no less than Reese Witherspoon with aplomb. — Emma Specter, Vogue, 1 July 2026 Played with aplomb by newcomer Kevin de Paula, the striker’s nifty footwork, rooted in the tradition of ginga, speaks louder than any self-congratulations. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026 Xhaka then found Vargas in deep for another pass to Manzambi, who finished with aplomb. — ABC News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for aplomb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aplomb
  1. composure
  2. confidence
  3. assurance
  4. self-assurance
  5. self-assuredness
  6. self-confidence
Noun
  • The composure of Amélie, and the decidedly wild and clownish manner in which she’s painted, can’t be tamed into order, elegance, or beauty.
    — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The cast will put their charisma, creativity and composure to the test in a series of challenges, led and judged by PEOPLE’s editor-in-chief and general manager Charlotte Triggs and editor-at-large Janine Rubenstein.
    — Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of composure
Noun
  • In the spring, Newcastle would have listened to offers for Yoane Wissa, whose £55m signing from Brentford had proved calamitous, yet the DR Congo forward returned from the World Cup full of confidence and has begun the campaign well.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • That confidence is reflected in the scale of One Beverly Hills.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of confidence
Noun
  • Of the child safety measures agreed to in Meta’s landmark legal settlement, no category contains more detailed requirements than its commitments on age assurance — and for good reason.
    — Barbara Ortutay, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Anthropic wanted assurance that its technology would not be used for fully autonomous weapons or domestic mass surveillance, and the DOD wanted Anthropic to grant the agency unfettered access to Claude across all lawful purposes.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of assurance
Noun
  • The 25-year-old from California opened the final with some swagger, popping four aces in the first game, but his self-assurance quickly ebbed.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The most consistent signature across her growing catalogue is her self-assurance as a performer.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of self-assurance
Noun
  • Pride is also about developing confidence and self-assuredness to do hard things.
    — Carolyn O'Laughlin, CNN Money, 28 June 2026
  • Peterson showcased a swagger that toed the line between confidence and self-assuredness often seen in superstar athletes.
    — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026
Definition of self-assuredness
Noun
  • Eisenhower possessed iron discipline, sunny self-confidence and a mind that loved organizational challenges.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Over time, however, the construct of critical thinking has expanded to encompass personal development, emotional reflection, and dispositional traits such as inquisitiveness, self-confidence, and maturity.
    — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of self-confidence

Browse Nearby Words

aplenty
aplomb
apocalypse
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Aplomb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aplomb. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All