self-possession
noun
self-pos·ses·sion
ˌself-pə-ˈze-shən 
also -ˈse-
: control of one's emotions or reactions especially when under stress : presence of mind, composure
Examples of self-possession in a Sentence
that neurosurgeon's self-possession in the operating room is legendary
the little girl's self-possession very occasionally gave way to crying fits
Recent Examples on the Web
Williams nails the paradox at the center of the show: As Molly’s body grows weaker, her self-possession grows stronger.
—
Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
The next step in our self-possession culture is not just dropping ourselves into the story but painting it in the hues of the great artists who came before.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025
Her self-possession is at points a touch disconcerting; breaking eye contact is not her style.
—Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
Mulligan brings luminous self-possession to her supporting role, which recalls her appearance as another folk singer in the Coens’ instant classic Inside Llewyn Davis.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb. 2025
The executive editor grabbed a copy of the newspaper, which was folded on his desk, opened it, saw, understood (or pretended to understand), felt the briefest moment of embarrassment—a matter of a split second—wonderfully regained his self-possession, and coughed.
—Dino Buzzati, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
This exhibition will explore concepts that define Black dandyism specifically and uncover elements of productive tension that appear when considering the figure—such as ownership, authority and self-possession, ease, exaggeration, freedom, transgression, dissonance, and spectacularity.
—News Desk, Artforum, 10 Oct. 2024
In a career spanning nearly seven decades, Smith established herself as one of the most towering and beloved British actors of her generation, revered for her witty line deliveries and self-possession.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 27 Sep. 2024
Not his legal education, borne of degrees from Yale and Oxford, nor his Chinese and English silver tongue, but the self-possession, drive, and track record to stand strong enough to be his authentic self.
—Alexandra Bregman, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
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Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
The next step in our self-possession culture is not just dropping ourselves into the story but painting it in the hues of the great artists who came before.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025
Her self-possession is at points a touch disconcerting; breaking eye contact is not her style.
—Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
Mulligan brings luminous self-possession to her supporting role, which recalls her appearance as another folk singer in the Coens’ instant classic Inside Llewyn Davis.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb. 2025
The executive editor grabbed a copy of the newspaper, which was folded on his desk, opened it, saw, understood (or pretended to understand), felt the briefest moment of embarrassment—a matter of a split second—wonderfully regained his self-possession, and coughed.
—Dino Buzzati, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
This exhibition will explore concepts that define Black dandyism specifically and uncover elements of productive tension that appear when considering the figure—such as ownership, authority and self-possession, ease, exaggeration, freedom, transgression, dissonance, and spectacularity.
—News Desk, Artforum, 10 Oct. 2024
In a career spanning nearly seven decades, Smith established herself as one of the most towering and beloved British actors of her generation, revered for her witty line deliveries and self-possession.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 27 Sep. 2024
Not his legal education, borne of degrees from Yale and Oxford, nor his Chinese and English silver tongue, but the self-possession, drive, and track record to stand strong enough to be his authentic self.
—Alexandra Bregman, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Self-possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-possession. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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