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

Most people avoid conflict, but those who can navigate tricky situations with composure and professionalism quickly stand out. —Sho Dewan, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

In scene after scene, Shula doesn’t say much, but there is, in practically every frame, an unmistakable anxiety in her composure, as if her mere appearance of calm required a major exertion of will. —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2025

The freshman Melo was able to keep her composure and make several acrobatic saves to wind out the clock and send her team to the semifinals for the first time in program history. —Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2025

Quick to react, Hamill reached down to adjust his bottoms, continuing his speech with composure. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for composure

• cynosure
• disclosure
• enclosure
• exposure
• foreclosure
• inclosure
• closure
• crozier
• hosier
• mosher
• nondisclosure
• postexposure

Kids Definition

composure

noun

com·​po·​sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər 

: calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance

she kept her composure