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 after being peppered with 13 shots in the third period, Wallstedt kept his composure and helped the Wild salvage the extra point. John Shipley, Twin Cities, 14 Oct. 2025 On First Take, Ohanian took the opportunity to clap back with composure and wit. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 13 Oct. 2025 The nine-time Grammy winner kept her composure, freed herself and kept walking without missing much of a beat. Austin Mullen, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025 The Trojans will need to maintain composure from top to bottom, especially late in the game. Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for composure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composure
Noun
  • Being a Snake Wrangler Professional guidance on snake wrangling emphasizes calmness, control and minimizing harm to both the snake and humans.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
  • On the other hand, clean and organized spaces are associated with calmness, a sense of control, and even better physical health.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Throughout the facility, there are several beautifully intimate and cozy seating areas to relax and enjoy the serenity of the space between services.
    Essence, Essence, 14 Oct. 2025
  • As one of the century-old resort’s five distinct accommodations, the Beach Club offers seaside serenity that’s worth seeking out in the doldrums of winter.
    Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Loewe was fresh and vibrant, with hints of Spanish roots and a touch of coolness and sexiness.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The slant to the sun and the coolness when the sun goes down signal that the fall season will indeed arrive.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The shock to Hal and Kate’s equilibrium, already unsteady to begin with, is even more rewarding.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Some interactions can push systems out of balance, while others pull an ecosystem closer to equilibrium.
    Alexandra A Phillips, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Wings will need to know details of the programs and get assurance that the government will repay the line of credit, according to the letter.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Also, there is no assurance of affordability once a developer is in the picture, and the city of Lakewood has no accounting of how many affordable units have been built, at least the number has not been made public when asked in council meetings.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sound advice, but for an Asian American trying to break into Hollywood, maintaining such equanimity was easier said than done.
    New York Times, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The equanimity in Wear’s presentation was a stark contrast to Charlie Kirk’s confrontational style.
    Michael Luo, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Composure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composure. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on composure

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