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

At her post-match news conference, Muguruza broke down in tears and left the room for several minutes to regain her composure. — Ben Rothenberg, New York Times, "Muguruza and Halep Will Meet in French Open Semifinals," 6 June 2018 On the 10-minute drive from the hospital back to his house, Moyet pulled over several times, trying to regain his composure. — Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press, "Bad hop nearly took Waterford Mott player's life, but not his spirit," 3 June 2018 So yes, Mickelson can be understood for losing his cool, for losing his composure, for losing his mind in that moment of frustration, a 10 on the scorecoard en route to a third-round 81. — Tara Sullivan, BostonGlobe.com, "Phil Mickelson’s explanation was more ridiculous than his rule breach," 16 June 2018 The astronauts are circling the earth in an ailing spacecraft, but have plenty of composure to puzzle through why a lightning strike would cause the fuel cells to register a power drain: Bean: That must have been what done it. — Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "The Forgotten True Story of Alan Bean's Unlikely Journey to the Moon," 29 May 2018 In the opening quarter, when Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum seemingly made an impetuous move for a monster dunk, and missed, James showed composure and patience. — Candace Buckner, chicagotribune.com, "The graybeard Cavaliers have turned experience into their best weapon against the Celtics," 22 May 2018 Not so coincidentally, Boston lost its composure the most at the time the Sixers broke the game open late in the third quarter. — Marc Narducci, Philly.com, "'They played better than us:' Celtics lose poise, and game, to Sixers," 9 May 2018 But after temporarily losing his composure, James refused to let the Cavaliers lose. — Clifton Brown, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Lance baits LeBron (again) but controversial late call goes against Pacers," 23 Apr. 2018 On the fourth, Marisnick nearly lost his composure, yelling into the air and very nearly tossing his bat onto the field of play near the mound. — Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, "Alex Bregman, Jake Marisnick out of Astros' lineup to reboot," 18 Apr. 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.