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 Morgan got out of the way and regain composure just for a moment. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Getting there meant stripping Tom’s composure away entirely, an approach Wilson suspects comes from his years working in the horror genre. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026 On July 6, Gill remembers Wonsley gathering her composure, as more of her siblings and family members drove up to the pier. Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026 But otherwise, King kept his composure and did a nice job of throwing on the run. Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for composure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composure
Noun
  • Unlike his uneven performances throughout training camp, Klubnik showed poise and calmness, helping the Jets’ offense march down the field.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Banderas explained that his split from Griffith was smooth, and the two actors have remained on good terms thanks to the calmness of their breakup.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Contemporary furnishings by Croatian design company Prostoria combine minimalism with comfort, adding to the overall sense of serenity.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Bass was a picture of serenity while talking inside the Browns’ facility on Lou Groza Boulevard, named after the Hall of Fame offensive tackle/kicker known simply as The Toe.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The fabric is lightweight and breathable, with a cropped design that only adds coolness.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Stereo 41, Walnut Creek A bastion of late-night coolness – almost too cool – has taken root in downtown Walnut Creek.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • When consumer demand falls faster than production can adjust, unsold wine can sit on the balance sheet while a winery works its way back into equilibrium.
    Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Achieving such an outcome might allow the formation of a new global economic equilibrium—and more important, might prevent the next major global economic crisis.
    Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Among the areas covered by the new measures are backups, incident response, risk management and security assurance, with later phases requiring further testing of clubs’ ability to recover from cyber incidents.
    Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • While there were previous assurances under the Biden administration that the site would reopen once construction was complete, that does not appear to be the case now.
    Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Other residents, though, don’t look at the situation with the same equanimity.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Roberts, with his country-club equanimity, can seem like a man out of time—maddeningly or reassuringly, depending on your perspective.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Composure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composure. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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