Synonym Chooser

How does the noun composure contrast with its synonyms?

The words equanimity and sangfroid are common synonyms of composure. While all three words mean "evenness of mind under stress," 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

When is equanimity a more appropriate choice than composure?

Although the words equanimity and composure have much in common, equanimity suggests a habit of mind that is only rarely disturbed under great strain.

accepted her troubles with equanimity

Where would sangfroid be a reasonable alternative to composure?

While in some cases nearly identical to composure, sangfroid implies great coolness and steadiness under strain.

handled the situation with professional sangfroid

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of composure That game proved to be an early catalyst for change and O’Brien’s introduction helped Everton in and out of possession, bringing them a composure in particular on the ball. Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Vitor Pereira arrived at Molineux a virtual unknown in December, but has mustered the steely composure to transform Wolves’ leaky defence while presenting himself as a loose cannon on the touchline. Steve Madeley, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025 Desai maintains his composure regardless of the situation, which has been important as his role for the Huskies evolved. Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 Just before her head reached the Hot Topics table, Sara Haines reached over to help her colleague regain composure, while the Ghost actress enthusiastically hit her iconic bell to signal for further help in detonating the conversation before things moved on. EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for composure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composure
Noun
  • Opposition lawmakers praised her serenity and firmness.
    Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
  • But there’s only one human that has some power over my serenity and well being, and that’s me.
    Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Once the wolves were reintroduced, the number of elk declined and the park regained its equilibrium.
    D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • After the massage, Brashear gave me specific yoga postures and self-care practices selected to restore equilibrium.
    Kayla Blanton, Outside Online, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That means aid workers have no assurance the military won’t strike them.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The gap between vague assurances and complex data fuels frustration among those waiting.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But January was a month of labor market equanimity.
    Courtenay Brown, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025
  • His equanimity is the basis of his whole character.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Composure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composure. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on composure

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