composure

noun

com·​po·​sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər How to pronounce composure (audio)
: a calmness or repose especially of mind, bearing, or appearance : self-possession
The witness started to break down, then paused and regained her composure.
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That composure led to him landing a knee in the third round after a scramble to get off the mat and setting up the ground strikes that finished the fight at the 3:43 mark of Round 3. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 George looked visibly thrilled, while Charlotte gazed upward with quiet composure. Janine Henni, People.com, 5 May 2025 That’s what the Celtics demand: composure, unity, precision — for four full quarters. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 May 2025 Luckily for Haliburton's dad, Antetokounmpo was able to keep his composure, otherwise, this could have gone terribly wrong. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for composure

Word History

Etymology

see compose

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of composure was in 1647

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Composure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/composure. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

composure

noun
com·​po·​sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər How to pronounce composure (audio)
: calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance
she kept her composure

More from Merriam-Webster on composure

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