Definition of composurenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun composure contrast with its synonyms?

The words equanimity and sangfroid are common synonyms of composure. While all three words mean "evenness of mind under stress," 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

When is equanimity a more appropriate choice than composure?

Although the words equanimity and composure have much in common, equanimity suggests a habit of mind that is only rarely disturbed under great strain.

accepted her troubles with equanimity

Where would sangfroid be a reasonable alternative to composure?

While in some cases nearly identical to composure, sangfroid implies great coolness and steadiness under strain.

handled the situation with professional sangfroid

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of composure Beyond just winning the positional battle under the rim, the Spurs really needed someone besides the guards who could get all the way to the rim and finish with composure. Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 1 July 2026 In a 1-1 game in the 10th, Brewers reliever Joel Kuhnel lost his composure after issuing an intentional walk to Crow-Armstrong to face Alex Bregman with runners on the corners and two outs. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 In what turns out to be the biggest moment in Neil’s young serving career, the handyman and Berzatto family friend keeps his composure and colorfully chats up the diner everyone believed was the Michelin-star inspector. Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 26 June 2026 Road imperfections are absorbed with composure, wind noise is reasonably controlled, and the cabin feels quieter than many compact rivals. New Atlas, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for composure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composure
Noun
  • In that space lives clarity, confidence and calmness.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • As the destruction and chaos continued on the streets, the family of the victim of Monday's stabbing attack at the center of the riots pleaded for calmness and tolerance.
    Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The congregation started to arrive at the usual time, about half an hour before Mass on a recent Saturday afternoon, the old church slowly filling with the descendants and caretakers of a place of great serenity but also great loss.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Set high above the town with breathtaking sea views from all 27 suites and 13 private villas (which are individually staffed), La Réserve offers serenity and discretion—all while being just a few minutes' drive from Pampelonne Beach.
    Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • On TikTok or Instagram, a gesture once used to symbolize doctrine or wisdom starts to look like confidence, coolness, even swagger.
    Denva Gallant, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
  • The rain will bring coolness to the air, lowering temperatures to the 80s.
    Elainie Colton, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • For Werzyn, that equilibrium now extends outside the bathroom.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • Yet both underscore a defining characteristic of American democracy – the delicate yet shifting equilibrium among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches that underpins the business of governing.
    The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Now In February 2026, the EU finalized its Omnibus I revisions to the CSRD, narrowing the scope and assurance requirements that many organizations had been preparing for.
    Joel Carboni, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Despite government assurances, humanitarian groups warn that the scale of assistance still falls short of the need.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Thanks to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding, love and equanimity are in the air.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • But the everyday diminishment of vitality, mobility and equanimity defined life in 1776.
    Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Composure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composure. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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