Synonyms of self-possession

self-possession

noun

ˌself-pə-ˈze-shən 

1

as in composure

evenness of emotions or temper

that neurosurgeon's self-possession in the operating room is legendary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• composure
• calmness
• tranquillity
• equanimity
• collectedness
• sangfroid
• imperturbability
• coolness
• serenity
• equilibrium
• aplomb
• countenance
• placidity
• confidence
• tranquility
• self-assurance
• assurance
• repose
• poise
• self-confidence
• tranquilness
• composedness
• cool
• self-composedness
• self-assuredness
• self-trust
• impassivity
• indifference
• unconcern
• detachment
• numbness
• insensibility
• phlegm
• apathy
• easygoingness
• laid-backness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agitation
• perturbation
• anxiety
• concern
• apprehension
• uneasiness
• discomposure
• solicitude
• care
• disquiet
• alarm
• worry
• anxiousness
• nervousness
• excitability
• apprehensiveness
• disturbance
• alarum
• excitableness

2

as in restraint

the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions

the little girl's self-possession very occasionally gave way to crying fits

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• composure
• temperance
• nerve
• determination
• self-control
• willpower
• self-command
• self-discipline
• self-mastery
• will
• confidence
• self-containment
• self-government
• self-restraint
• temperateness
• continence
• discipline
• assurance
• moderation
• abnegation
• mastery
• self-abnegation
• equanimity
• poise
• soberness
• self-confidence
• forbearance
• sobriety
• self-denial
• control
• coolness
• moderateness
• avoidance
• aplomb
• abstention
• abstinence
• eschewal
• command
• discretion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gratification
• indulgence
• intemperance
• feebleness
• excessiveness
• weakness
• overindulgence
• failing
• self-indulgence
• vice
• frailty
• fault
• shortcoming
• demerit
• foible
• unrestraint
• intemperateness
• indiscipline
• immoderacy
• unreserve
• unconstraint
• unreservedness

Synonym Chooser

How is the word self-possession distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of self-possession are aplomb, assurance, and confidence. While all these words mean "a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment," self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers.

answered the insolent question with complete self-possession

When might aplomb be a better fit than self-possession?

In some situations, the words aplomb and self-possession are roughly equivalent. However, aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.

handled the reporters with great aplomb

When could assurance be used to replace self-possession?

The meanings of assurance and self-possession largely overlap; however, assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers.

handled the cross-examination with complete assurance

When can confidence be used instead of self-possession?

Although the words confidence and self-possession have much in common, confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance.

the confidence that comes from long experience

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of self-possession

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