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

Vita is stunning and in a better outfit, and her composure wins her the lip sync. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2026

Their composure on little notice impressed but didn’t surprise their teammates. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026

The Bruins tied the score early in the third period and pushed for about the next 10 minutes, but the Flyers, buoyed by 18 saves from Dan Vladar, maintained their composure and eventually pushed back. —Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026

For entrepreneurs, confidence and bold vision can be assets, but only when paired with openness and composure. —Paul Sanchez Ruiz, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 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