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

There was no need to imagine what the conversation was about because the entire team and fan base saw Gordon lose his composure, say something slick to Spillane, who had just tackled him along New England’s sidelines. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 1 Nov. 2026

The composure the defense showed in that moment was monumental, as senior quarterback Jaden Craig was able to orchestrate a game-winning drive. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2026

With the smoke from the fireworks still hanging in the air, Megill gathered his composure and struck out Jonny DeLuca with a nasty breaking ball to end the game. — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

In eleven years of service, Masha had never heard her mistress speak with such lack of composure. — Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 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
• mosher
• osier
• nondisclosure
• postexposure

Kids Definition

composure

noun

com·​po·​sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər 

: calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance

she kept her composure