composure

noun

com·​po·​sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər How to pronounce composure (audio)
: a calmness or repose especially of mind, bearing, or appearance : self-possession
The witness started to break down, then paused and regained her composure.
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
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.
Stay calm, maintain composure and do your best to get through tough situations. Tracy Brower, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 These videos make clear Maddow struggled to keep her composure while covering a report from The Associated Press about shelters for children separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border during Trump's first presidential term. Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024 Only Sunny Hostin seemed her normal self, keeping her composure and her wits about her. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024 Haas Automation Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing, approached the situation with a degree of composure. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for composure 

Word History

Etymology

see compose

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of composure was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near composure

Cite this Entry

“Composure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/composure. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

composure

noun
com·​po·​sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər How to pronounce composure (audio)
: calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance
she kept her composure

More from Merriam-Webster on composure

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