composure

noun

com·​po·​sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər 

: a calmness or repose especially of mind, bearing, or appearance : self-possession

The witness started to break down, then paused and regained her composure.

Synonyms

• aplomb
• calmness
• collectedness
• composedness
• cool
• coolness
• countenance
• equanimity
• equilibrium
• imperturbability
• placidity
• repose
• sangfroid
• self-composedness
• self-possession
• serenity
• tranquility
• tranquillity
• tranquilness

Choose the Right Synonym for composure

equanimity, composure, sangfroid mean evenness of mind under stress.

equanimity suggests a habit of mind that is only rarely disturbed under great strain.

accepted her troubles with equanimity

composure implies the controlling of emotional or mental agitation by an effort of will or as a matter of habit.

maintaining his composure even under hostile questioning

sangfroid implies great coolness and steadiness under strain.

handled the situation with professional sangfroid

Examples of composure in a Sentence

After the initial shock she regained her composure.

kept his composure in spite of the repeated provocations

Recent Examples on the Web

The duo were seen maintaining a stoic composure as Hunter greeted his dad on an airport tarmac. —Evan Rosen, New York Daily News, 11 June 2024

Such a scenario seemed unlikely for most of the match as India set a relatively low score of 119 all out and Pakistan began its run chase with composure, but key wickets lost at crucial times consigned it to a damaging defeat. —Issy Ronald, CNN, 9 June 2024

The next morning, Cat fully loses her composure when Xandi (gently) confronts her about misplacing the cleaning caddy and failing to answer her radio. —Molly Fitzpatrick, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2024

Watch live:Lawyers give opening statements in Jennifer Crumbley Oxford shooting trial Confrontation between attorneys Jennifer Crumbley's lawyer, Shannon Smith, asked for a break so her client could regain her composure. —Gina Kaufman, Detroit Free Press, 25 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see compose

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing composure

• keep one's cool/composure
• lose one's cool/composure
• maintain one's cool/composure

Kids Definition

composure

noun

com·​po·​sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər 

: calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance

she kept her composure