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 The overarching story of these Finals has been that of the better team defeating itself, juxtaposed with the more experienced team keeping its composure. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 12 June 2026 In the weeks leading up to his imprisonment, Abu Safiya fought to maintain his composure as Israeli forces surrounded the hospital, releasing grainy video dispatches from the facility under siege. Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 Temperance is the virtue of moderation, visible when players maintain composure under pressure. Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 His composure in possession is matched by aggression without it. Jay Harris, New York Times, 10 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
  • But there’s a particular beauty and serenity along this two to three-hour tubing run down the Winooski River from Burlington to Richmond in the Green Mountain State that will take your breath away as much as the refreshing waters do.
    Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2026
  • When Senegal pulled one back in the 95th minute, disturbing the serenity of the closing stages, Mbappe gestured for calm.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Practically overnight, Sylvia’s cozy attitude toward the girl hardens into coolness, impatience and neglect.
    Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 16 June 2026
  • Brit Pop often trafficked in ironies, distances, and coolness.
    Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • After being confined for 10 minutes, the leaf reaches an equilibrium.
    Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • But in a crisis, price no longer reflects only the equilibrium between supply and demand.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • For ships that require assurances of safe passage, recent developments aren’t helping.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 June 2026
  • Every chair is backed by a robust product assurance policy, secure global shopping, and professional customer support.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • After the game, with the glimmer of tears in their eyes, the New Yorker editor David Remnick and Vinson Cunningham celebrated the win, and were joined by Louisa Thomas, who managed a bit more equanimity.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
  • Herald photojournalist José Iglesias, who shared numerous assignments with Chardy, including covering the 2010 Haiti earthquake, noted his patient, determined equanimity in difficult moments.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Composure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composure. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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