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 And while the win slipped away, his post-round composure didn't. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 She was eventually taken off her flight and reportedly booked a new ticket after regaining her composure, per the outlet. Colson Thayer, People.com, 11 July 2025 Stevens’s reflections on his years of service reveal what’s pulsing beneath his composure: the choice to look away from troubling secrets and repress personal desires. Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025 In a race that featured all the drama, Hulkenberg kept his composure and took home his first podium of a long career. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for composure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composure
Noun
  • Here are some of the most peaceful beach destinations for travelers really looking to relax and unwind in serenity: The Seychelles earned top spot as the most peaceful beach destination.
    Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Who doesn’t love the serenity and beauty of a Japanese garden?
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Rather than aiming for a constant fixed equilibrium, dynamic leadership is about ongoing adjustments.
    IESE Business School, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • His ostentatious well-being is scorned by Walker, who equates equilibrium with compromise.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Its grading reports have become the definitive benchmark in the trade and its documents not only certify a gemstone's attributes but also offer assurance in a marketplace where provenance and precision matter.
    Jennifer Lee, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • One of the sources said the US could withdraw those assurances if Hamas doesn’t quickly agree to a deal.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • And the origin of aloha—ha being breath, life—calls to mind the Buddhist perception of happiness as equanimity.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 10 July 2025
  • Ellie accepts the decision with grace and equanimity.
    EW.com, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Composure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composure. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on composure

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