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

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

That was deemed a common foul after review, but there was nothing common about the Knicks’ slipping composure. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 11 June 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
• mosher
• osier
• nondisclosure
• postexposure

Kids Definition

composure

noun

com·​po·​sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər 

: calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance

she kept her composure