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

John is, as ever, at ease in front of the cameras, while Carolyn struggles to maintain composure. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026

When Kotb asked how Guthrie reacted to seeing images of the abductor taken from Ring camera footage, Guthrie worked hard to keep her composure. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2026

In that context, Sancho’s assist for McGinn in the return leg with Lille was a pleasing change, showing a high level of composure on a counter-attack to find the right pass. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026

The first quarter moon in Cancer tests your authority and composure. —Usa Today, USA Today, 25 Mar. 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