Aplomb is a noun for calmnot agitated; peaceful and steady in mind or behavior, confident self-possessionability to stay composed and in control of yourself, especially when someone is under pressurestress or demand that makes something harder to handle or in a difficult situation.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /əˈplɑm/
Easy pronunciation: uh-PLAHM (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the second syllable.
Noun meaning calm confidence or composure under pressure.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Aplomb Meaning
calm confidence in a difficult situation
Part of speech: noun
Definition: great coolness and composure under strain
Example: She answered the tough questions with aplomb.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- assuredness — Can mean calm confidence, though it is a bit broader and less specifically about pressure.
- poise — A very close match for calm, confident self-control.
- sang-froid — A strong synonym for calmness under pressure.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Aplomb Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- poise
- sang-froid
- assuredness
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes use aplomb to mean simple confidence, but it usually suggests confidence shown calmly under pressure.
- It is often confused with poise; the two overlap closely, but aplomb especially emphasizes composure in a challenging moment.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does aplomb mean?
Aplomb means calm, confident composure, especially when someone is under pressure.
What is a synonym for aplomb?
Good synonyms include poise and sang-froid. Assuredness can also work in some contexts.
How do you use aplomb in a sentence?
You can say, “He handled the interview with aplomb.”
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-29. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
