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.
Charles took over offensively after the heated moment with 11 points in the third quarter alone, but the rest of the team struggled to maintain composure at either end. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2025 That’s a box that Brooks could check Friday as the Griffins take on JSerra in the Division 2 championship at 7 p.m. Brooks, 14, is an attractive pick because of her composure, location and improvement. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 28 May 2025 The president quickly maintains his composure proceeding to smile and wave before exiting the frame and later exiting the aircraft alongside his wife. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 May 2025 With the game tied again at five, Collier regained her composure on the mound and struck out the side. Marcello Rossetti, Boston Herald, 24 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 1 Jul. 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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