composure

noun

com·​po·​sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər 

: a calmness or repose especially of mind, bearing, or appearance : self-possession

The witness started to break down, then paused and regained her composure.

Synonyms of composure

• calmness
• serenity
• coolness
• equilibrium
• assurance
• equanimity

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

Nevertheless, Bowie’s composure helped maintain the flow, keeping the set upbeat despite these obstacles. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026

Through balls became an asset for a player who had previously shown a lack of composure in these areas, and was thought to be more adept as a crosser. —Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026

Patience wears thin, and even seasoned professionals can lose their composure. —Sudhakar Ramakrishna, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026

The image captures Mellisa moving through festive surroundings with focused determination, presenting a figure who maintains sharp composure amid surrounding chaos. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see compose

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing composure

• keep one's cool/composure
• lose one's cool/composure
• maintain one's cool/composure

Rhymes for composure

• cynosure
• disclosure
• enclosure
• exposure
• foreclosure
• inclosure
• closure
• crozier
• hosier
• mosher
• nondisclosure
• postexposure

Kids Definition

composure

noun

com·​po·​sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər 

: calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance

she kept her composure