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

• calmness
• serenity
• coolness
• tranquillity
• 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

That space gives us access to clarity, composure, and intentional choice. —Naz Beheshti, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Expect the Wildcats to feature a strong running game behind Watkins and their reliable offensive line, while maintaining composure offensively and defensively. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025

Horton showed his composure by not getting rattled when runners reached base, six on hits and two via a walk, knowing how quickly games can get away from pitchers in this atmosphere. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025

At the event, Brooks struggled to avoid conversations where Gleb’s name was brought up but did her best to maintain her composure. —Liza Esquibias, People.com, 27 Aug. 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