Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

composure

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of composure

evenness of emotions or temper

  • kept his composure in spite of the repeated provocations
Synonyms of composure

aplomb, calmness, collectedness, composedness, cool, coolness, countenance, equanimity, equilibrium, imperturbability, placidity, repose, sangfroid, self-composedness, self-possession, serenity, tranquillity (or tranquility), tranquilness
Words Related to composure

assurance, confidence, poise, self-assurance, self-assuredness, self-confidence, self-trust

easygoingness, laid-backness

apathy, detachment, impassivity, indifference, insensibility, numbness, phlegm, unconcern
Near Antonyms of composure

alarm (also alarum), anxiety, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care, concern, disquiet, solicitude, uneasiness, worry

excitability, excitableness, nervousness

disturbance
Antonyms of composure

agitation, discomposure, perturbation

Synonym Discussion of 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

Learn More about composure

  1. See words that rhyme with composure Dictionary: Definition of composure Spanish Central: Translation of composure Nglish: Translation of composure for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of composure for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up composure? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games