composure

noun

com·po·sure | \kəm-ˈpō-zhər

Definition of composure

: 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 & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about composure

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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

Their composure no doubt comes from having been raised well and growing up around the couturier’s atelier. — Harper's BAZAAR, "Crazy Rich Couture," 15 Aug. 2018 Calm prevails—the sort of composure that’s cultivated through a lifetime devoted to a greater cause. — Forrest Pritchard, WSJ, "‘The New Farm’ and ‘Fruitful Labor’ Reviews: Betting the Farm on Organic," 13 Apr. 2018 Chris is 48, trim, and balding, with a gently oval face that never loses composure. — Jonathan Reynolds, Town & Country, "At Your Service," 11 July 2014 Distracted by a teammate leaping in front of him, Fernandinho lost composure, missed his header altogether, and could only watch in horror as the ball spun off his arm, past goalkeeper Alisson and into the net. — Martin Rogers, USA TODAY, "Brazil's bizarre own-goal gives Belgium the lead," 6 July 2018 Video footage had captured a stunned James sitting silently on the bench for minutes before overtime of Game 1, then losing his composure when coach Tyronn Lue confirmed that Cleveland had possessed an unused timeout. — Ben Golliver, SI.com, "Leaning on LeBron: Can the King's Cape Carry the Cavaliers' Cast in Game 3?," 6 June 2018 Standouts for Indy included left back Ayoze, whose composure and technical ability on the ball sparked some of his team's longer bouts of possession, and Watson, whose high work rate made his presence felt in various areas of the pitch. — Kevin Johnston, Indianapolis Star, "United Soccer League: Playing for Pride, Indy Eleven rally late to draw Penn FC," 30 June 2018 Will anything at last crack Boris and Zhenya’s composure and leave them staring into the mirror of their own monstrousness? — Ty Burr, BostonGlobe.com, "An allegory revealed in a little boy lost," 7 Mar. 2018 Atwell, faced with a difficult scene in which, for once, Margaret’s composure dissolves, sought advice. — Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker, "Hayley Atwell on the Superwomen of “Howards End”," 6 Oct. 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'composure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.