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’s often a moment leading up to a loss when the doubt creeps in, the confidence gets rattled and the composure gets compromised. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026

The 32-year-old Honduran admitted to fighting to try to keep his composure. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 19 Sep. 2026

That’s a testament to her leadership, composure and ability to manage multiple moving parts during a time of crisis. — Kathy Lee, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026

The composure, creativity,arm talent,and ability to deliver when the pressure is at its highest are simply special. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 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