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

Jaylen Brown, who scored a team-high 33 points in the win, said he was impressed by the rookie’s composure. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 Nov. 2025

What To Know During the interview, Friedland questioned how Mamdani maintained composure during the White House news conference, noting observers were surprised by his calm demeanor. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

That combination of intelligence, composure, and athleticism turned her into one of the most adaptable players on the Spirit roster. —Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 22 Nov. 2025

Her long-distance best friend, Shawna, steps into frame, and all the composure Chelsea had been holding onto disappears. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 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