Definition of composurenext

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 The overarching story of these Finals has been that of the better team defeating itself, juxtaposed with the more experienced team keeping its composure. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 12 June 2026 In the weeks leading up to his imprisonment, Abu Safiya fought to maintain his composure as Israeli forces surrounded the hospital, releasing grainy video dispatches from the facility under siege. Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 Temperance is the virtue of moderation, visible when players maintain composure under pressure. Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 His composure in possession is matched by aggression without it. Jay Harris, New York Times, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for composure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composure
Noun
  • As the destruction and chaos continued on the streets, the family of the victim of Monday's stabbing attack at the center of the riots pleaded for calmness and tolerance.
    Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 11 June 2026
  • Clutter has been linked to higher stress levels, lower focus, and feelings of tension or irritability, whereas clean and organized spaces are associated with calmness, a sense of control, and even better physical health.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • Their furniture and home objects tend to favor serenity over sharpness and the handmade over the hyperpolished.
    Aditi Sharma, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2026
  • Those are the words of Brandon Wolf, who finally found a safe haven in Orlando, only to have that serenity shattered on June 12.
    Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Practically overnight, Sylvia’s cozy attitude toward the girl hardens into coolness, impatience and neglect.
    Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 16 June 2026
  • Brit Pop often trafficked in ironies, distances, and coolness.
    Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • After being confined for 10 minutes, the leaf reaches an equilibrium.
    Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • But in a crisis, price no longer reflects only the equilibrium between supply and demand.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Whether those assurances will ease concerns among some fans remains to be seen as South Florida prepares to welcome thousands of international visitors for the tournament.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 13 June 2026
  • Tehran has long maintained that any broader cease-fire arrangement would need to include assurances regarding Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
    Nik Popli, Time, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Herald photojournalist José Iglesias, who shared numerous assignments with Chardy, including covering the 2010 Haiti earthquake, noted his patient, determined equanimity in difficult moments.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
  • By multiple accounts, Gorman is getting praise as a steady hand who steered the selection process with equanimity and a distance from the key players that gave him perspective on what Disney needed most.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 3 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Composure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composure. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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