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

But the most impressive thing for me is just his composure. —Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025

In recent years, he’s trained some of the world’s most accomplished investors, entrepreneurs, special forces veterans, and CEOs in the same practice — how to find clarity and composure amid uncertainty. —Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025

This is one of the cleanest one-shots in Visions' entire three-season run so far, and it's told with lots of composure. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2025

The return of key players from injury could give Barça a boost, especially in midfield, where Pedri and Gavi’s composure will be crucial. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025

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