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

In fact, her composure shows just how volatile Robby is. —Esther Zuckerman, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026

Palace sources say were impressed by his composure on the ball, ability to beat an opponent and quality from set pieces. —Simon Johnson, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026

After a disastrous run in the 2022 Beijing Games, Shiffrin was able to keep her composure and deliver an incredible run to grab the gold. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 18 Feb. 2026

But Frisco Memorial head coach Rochelle Vaughn said her team was admittedly nervous after coming away with a narrow 33-30 win over Frisco Lone Star, but found composure in an unlikely source. —Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 17 Feb. 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
• 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