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 Lily responds with monk-like composure in response to Jackie’s rude queries. — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Oct. 2026 Russell continued to improve his Heisman Trophy credentials by playing with composure amid the usual din of ringing cowbells at Mississippi State. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 Blending explosive power with uncanny composure, the left-handed batsman wasted no time proving his worth. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Sep. 2026 The Jacksonville Jaguars were able to play patiently and with composure on offense all day, never having to press or force anything because New England’s offense was so hopeless. — Michael Salfino, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for composure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composure
Noun
  • Many teach-abroad programs where people can teach English as a foreign language in Thailand cite that smiling often with children and colleagues is key to showing respect, good manners and calmness.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Quince syrup helps soothe sore throats, while jujube syrup promotes calmness.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The temple’s centerpiece, directly beneath the spire, is what’s known as the celestial room, which is meant to represent the beauty and serenity of Heaven.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The actress found serenity in Switzerland during her final years.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The coolness of Bond and the DB5 are forever wed, and that earns the car the top spot here.
    — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Marcocci finds in China a merging of coolness and high luxury.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Only public demand can upset this unacceptable political equilibrium.
    — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • That churning could explain why classic models, which assume that the ISM is in a tranquil equilibrium, don’t quite seem to match reality.
    — Perri Thaler, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • FlashProve aims to provide that assurance without requiring users to access or independently run the model.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The group stressed that the issue goes beyond its Instagram account, saying that Americans who rely on Meta’s platforms need assurance that voting content won’t be suppressed ahead of or on election day.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • So, with a swanlike equanimity, her long neck sloped ever so slightly, her face hidden behind a veil, Adelaide greeted the visitor from Moscow.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Here the focus was not nationalism but a spiritual discipline that supposedly allowed warriors to accept death with equanimity.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 22 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Composure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composure. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster