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

Earlier in the day, China’s central-bank governor and banking and securities regulators all called on investors to maintain their composure. — Shen Hong, WSJ, "Chinese Stocks Surge After Xi’s Economic Czar Leads Calls for Confidence," 19 Oct. 2018 Belle Robinson, who cofounded the brand with John Robinson, dished about Kate's work ethic and already-royal composure during a 2008 interview with the Evening Standard. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton Had These Two Very Normal Jobs Before She Became a Royal," 19 Aug. 2018 Mariel's character, Tracy, reflected a natural poise that was true to the actress's own composure in the face of the chaos constantly being created by the adults surrounding her. — Nell Casey, Town & Country, "Surviving Hemingway," 7 Aug. 2013 In victory and defeat, Washington maintained his stoical composure. — Sam Walker, WSJ, "The Two Contagious Behaviors of a Great Boss," 22 Sep. 2018 Its large 20-inch wheels were relaxed on most surfaces, but obstacles such as railroad crossings and potholes disrupted its composure. — Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, "2017 Dodge Charger," 12 Jan. 2018 But Luther's villain, Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson), and Villanelle are two very, very different characters—Morgan's composure is in stark contrast to how unhinged Villanelle can be. — Amanda Mitchell, Marie Claire, "8 TV Shows Like 'Killing Eve' to Binge If You Can't Wait for Season 2," 17 Jan. 2019 Mike showed a lot of composure getting out of there. — Matt Doherty, BostonGlobe.com, "Brauninger has the right pitch for Beverly baseball," 20 Apr. 2018 Somehow Chrissy, who gave birth to her second child in May, kept her composure and responded with perfect shade and dignity. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Chrissy Teigen Perfectly Handled an Emmys Body Shamer Who "Respectfully" Asked If She's Pregnant Again," 18 Sep. 2018

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.