self-possession
noun
self-pos·ses·sion
ˌself-pə-ˈze-shən 
also -ˈse-
: control of one's emotions or reactions especially when under stress : presence of mind, composure
Synonyms
Examples of self-possession in a Sentence
that neurosurgeon's self-possession in the operating room is legendary
the little girl's self-possession very occasionally gave way to crying fits
Recent Examples on the Web
This exhibition will explore concepts that define Black dandyism specifically and uncover elements of productive tension that appear when considering the figure—such as ownership, authority and self-possession, ease, exaggeration, freedom, transgression, dissonance, and spectacularity.
—
News Desk, Artforum, 10 Oct. 2024
In a career spanning nearly seven decades, Smith established herself as one of the most towering and beloved British actors of her generation, revered for her witty line deliveries and self-possession.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 27 Sep. 2024
Not his legal education, borne of degrees from Yale and Oxford, nor his Chinese and English silver tongue, but the self-possession, drive, and track record to stand strong enough to be his authentic self.
—Alexandra Bregman, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
In contrast, Swinton is breathtakingly still, a woman who long ago made peace with death and welcomes it as her last act of self-possession.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 7 Sep. 2024
In the whole Mogao Caves area, only the icons of Buddha and bodhisattvas maintained their dignity and self-possession.
—Ian Johnson, The New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2024
Trump’s first wife is played by Maria Bakalova with savvy self-possession and what seems like full awareness of her husband’s negative attributes, plus a convenient ability to overlook them.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 May 2024
Doug said with a self-possession that caught Death Skull off guard.
—Simon Rich, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024
That dazzling self-possession is an aspect of her œuvre, which includes plays, essays, memoir, and fiction.
—The New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2024
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.
News Desk, Artforum, 10 Oct. 2024
In a career spanning nearly seven decades, Smith established herself as one of the most towering and beloved British actors of her generation, revered for her witty line deliveries and self-possession.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 27 Sep. 2024
Not his legal education, borne of degrees from Yale and Oxford, nor his Chinese and English silver tongue, but the self-possession, drive, and track record to stand strong enough to be his authentic self.
—Alexandra Bregman, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
In contrast, Swinton is breathtakingly still, a woman who long ago made peace with death and welcomes it as her last act of self-possession.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 7 Sep. 2024
In the whole Mogao Caves area, only the icons of Buddha and bodhisattvas maintained their dignity and self-possession.
—Ian Johnson, The New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2024
Trump’s first wife is played by Maria Bakalova with savvy self-possession and what seems like full awareness of her husband’s negative attributes, plus a convenient ability to overlook them.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 May 2024
Doug said with a self-possession that caught Death Skull off guard.
—Simon Rich, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024
That dazzling self-possession is an aspect of her œuvre, which includes plays, essays, memoir, and fiction.
—The New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2024
Dictionary Entries Near self-possession
Cite this Entry
“Self-possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-possession. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share